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CONTENTS

1. Routes to becoming a social worker

2. Skills required

3. Finding work experience

4. How to get a job as a social worker

5. What it’s like to be a social worker

Routes to becoming a social worker

Social work is a rewarding job area as you help people find solutions to their issues and live happier and safer lives.

To become a social worker in the UK, you need to register with your relevant country’s regulators. These are:

To register, you’ll need an approved degree or certification in Social Work. There are several options at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including degree apprenticeships and fast-track graduate programmes (see below).

All approved courses involve different social work practices, where you learn about ethics, laws, assessments, mental health, disability and more. They usually include practical placements with clients in social work settings.

An interest and understanding of social work are key for all programmes. You may also need experience caring for people (read about work experience below).

Funding is available for different programmes. Look into different course providers to find what’s available.

Undergraduate degrees

Undergraduate degrees in Social Work usually last three to four years if studied full time, longer if studied part-time. Our Social Work subject guide has a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect from a Social Work degree, along with degree options and entry requirements.

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships show you how to be a social worker on the job, alongside academic study. The employer will pay you for your work, and you spend less time at university than on a standard undergraduate degree.

You usually apply for a Social Work degree apprenticeship through the healthcare provider you’ll be working with. Level 3 qualifications are required.

Postgraduate degrees

You can study for a postgraduate programme in Social Work if you have an undergraduate degree in any subject.

Both master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas are available. These can last up to two years if you study full time, or six if part time.

Fast-track graduate programmes

Another option if you already have a degree in any subject (except Social Work) is a fast-track graduate programme. These combine academic study with extensive practical work experience.

Fast-track options include:

• – a 2-year programme in child protection
• – a 2-year scheme in mental health social work
• – a 14-month programme (you’ll also need a master’s degree in any subject except Social Work to be eligible)

Skills required

Typical skills that you’ll need to be a successful social worker include:

• Ability to work under pressure in challenging situations
• Organisation and time management
• Social and cultural sensitivity
• Empathy and compassion
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Resilience

Finding work experience

When applying for a course or job, you may need relevant work experience. This could be in either a voluntary or paid position. Places where you could volunteer include:

• Residential homes
• Day centres
• Youth clubs
• Nurseries
• Schools or special needs units
• Charities for victim support, homelessness or people with disabilities, for example

Experience could also include caring for a friend or relative.

How to get a job as a social worker

After you’ve successfully completed an approved degree, you can register as a practitioner with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Then you can apply for jobs as a professional social worker. To stay on the HCPC register, you must keep your skills up to date and pay an annual fee.

You can look for job opportunities online, on job boards like  and local council websites.

For even broader social work job opportunities, you could take extra training in areas such as counselling.

What’s it like to be a social worker?

Social workers work in environments like hospitals, care homes, prisons and offices. You could spend time travelling to different clients, sometimes in their homes. Daily tasks vary but can include:

• Visiting clients and working out what support they need
• Working with clients to help them make positive changes
• Organising extra support for clients and referring to other services
• Keeping up-to-date and extensive records

You could work alone or as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Other professionals you might work alongside include other social workers, doctors, nurses, school staff and prison or probation workers.

You can join the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), which helps you with your professional development, networking, and related events.

Social workers, especially those in the NHS, often work a 37.5-hour week – sometimes including evenings and weekends. Entry-level social work jobs pay a salary of around £25,000, and social workers with more experience can earn £40,000 and above.

Is a role as a social worker right for you?

Social work can be challenging, as you often work directly with children, adults and families in traumatic situations. Despite this, it’s a highly rewarding profession. You’ll be protecting vulnerable people, helping to improve their happiness and wellbeing, and fighting for their health and rights.