Social Work courses
Social workers support and protect some of society’s most deprived and vulnerable people. If you’re looking to work with those in need, from children and the elderly, to individuals or families, our social work courses have much to offer you.
Social Work
Degrees
- Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.
- Internationally respected, universally understood.
- An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.
- Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.
- Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
- Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
- One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
- You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
- For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long will it take?
Social Work
Diplomas
- Widely recognised qualification.
- Equivalent to the first two thirds of an honours degree.
- Enhance your professional and technical skills or extend your knowledge and understanding of a subject.
- Study for interest or career development.
- Top up to a full honours degree in just two years.
- Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
- One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
- You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
- For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long will it take?
Social Work
Certificates
- Widely recognised qualification.
- Equivalent to the first third of an honours degree.
- Study for interest or career development.
- Shows that you can study successfully at university level.
- Count it towards further qualifications such as a DipHE or honours degree.
- Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
- One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
- You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
- For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long will it take?
Why study with Social Work The Open University?
For over 30 years, we’ve been delivering supported and open distance learning preparing students for the challenging, yet rewarding, experience of becoming social workers. You’ll study a curriculum developed by leading academics and professionals actively engaged in the field, so you know our teaching reflects the priorities of today’s employers.
The benefits of studying social work with us are:
- The OU is the UK’s largest provider of a part-time qualifying degree in social work.
- We work in partnership with employers including the NHS, social services and the voluntary sector.
- Earn while you learn. Our flexible study fits in with your work and home life, so you don’t have to give up the day job. You can also progress at different speeds to suit your needs and those of your employer.
- We have courses suited for all levels and stages of your career. Perfect if you’re starting out or changing profession, developing your career in care, or simply seeking to develop your understanding of social care.
Careers in Social Work
Studying for an Open University qualification in social work is ideal preparation for personal development and career progression, whatever your level of experience. We offer a wide range of practice-related courses including single modules for professional development, qualifying and post-qualifying programmes, vocational training, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and research opportunities.
Our range of courses in social work can help you start or progress your career as a:
- Social or Youth Worker
- Counsellor
- Probation Officer
- Community Development Worker
Looking for something other than a qualification?
The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.
All Social Work courses
Browse all the Social Work courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.
See our full list of Social Work courses
Email us
From exploring the right course for you to helping you register, our advisers can help.
Call us
As part of the OU’s response to Coronavirus, we have temporarily removed this option.
Please use the ‘Email us’ option to contact us.
Write to us at:
Student Recruitment
The Open University
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ
