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Social work degree entry requirements

Considering social work? Learn about the social work degree entry requirements you should know before applying.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
12 Dec 2022

CONTENTS

How do you become a social worker?

What is a social work degree?

Social work degree entry requirements

Best universities for social work UK

How to compare social work courses

How to compare social work courses in Clearing 2022

What subjects could you study at university if you want a social work career later on?

How do you become a social worker?


To become a social worker, you'll need to have a degree as it's a graduate profession. Of course, the most obvious thing to do is to study a bachelors degree in social work, as this is the most direct route to a career in social work. As well as traditional degrees there are also options to study a degree apprenticeship in social work, though fewer universities offer this path. However, if you already have a degree in a different subject or want to study a different subject at uni, you can still get into social work. 

If you have any bachelor's degree at a 2:1 or above, there’s no reason why you can’t go back to university to study social work at postgraduate level. If you received a 2:2 you may still be considered. It's also important to note that any qualification you study in social work must be recognised by Social Work England, Social Care Wales, Northern Ireland Social Care Council, or Scottish Social Services Council.

There are a few options available to you:

  • Master's in social work
  • Open university course
  • Step up to social work

Master's in social work


master's in social work will usually take two years, with two placements as part of the degree.

Previous experience is often required (voluntary or employed), to show your suitability for the course. This can include work within the community, with a charity or in a social care setting.

Some courses require you to have at least 6-12 months experience. This will vary from uni to uni, so check the individual entry requirements for confirmation.

You may also be required to attend an interview. This is a great opportunity to discuss your experience and demonstrate why what you’ve learnt would make you a suitable candidate.

Open university degree


This is only an option if you’re currently working within a social care remit.

This course can be completed part-time alongside your current role and your employer needs to agree to you taking the course. Studying full-time takes three years, with part-time taking six years. There are also opportunities for your employer to sponsor you.

Step up to social work


Step up to social work is a full-time course for any person holding a degree in any subject other than  social work. It runs for 14 months, with both work placements and academic training. There are 170 placement days of hands-on work.

On completion, students receive a postgraduate diploma in social work. They can then register and practice as a social worker.

Course requirements vary from uni to uni. Some request a minimum of a 2:1, while others will accept 2:2. Students who are accepted onto this course are also offered a £19,833 tax-free bursary.

Applications for step up to social work usually open in mid-February and close in early April. You'll be able to find out if any of your local authority offers the course by checking the 'apply' section on the step up to social work website.

What is a social work degree?


Social work is the study of people and how to improve their quality of life. A social work degree will teach you how to care for those in need, how to deal with their personal struggles and how to protect their wellbeing. Social work is incredibly varied, but exceptionally rewarding.

Social work degree entry requirements


The minimum UCAS points required to study a social work degree ranges from 88 points (CCD at A-Level; MMM at BTEC level) to 128 points (ABB at A-Level; DDM at BTEC level).

Social Work Degree Entry Requirements 2021

 

Type Minimum Grades/Points Required (with Foundation Year) Minimum Grades/Points Required Maximum Grades/Points Required Average Grades/Points Required
UCAS Points 32 88 128 112
A-Level EE CCD ABB BBC
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma PP MMM DDM DMM
International Baccalaureate 24 26 35 30


A-Levels


Most universities don’t require you to have taken specific A-levels. Some do prefer you to have studied a social sciences subject, such as psychology, sociology or law, but this is not usually mandatory.

BTECs


Most universities accept BTECs for a social work degree and will not need you to have taken a specific subject.

GCSEs


You will need five GCSEs with at least a grade C or higher.

International Baccalaureate


Most social work degrees won’t need you to have studied a specific subject. Top universities may ask that you have a 6, 5, 5 or above at Higher Level.

Universities don’t just assess you on your grades. They also take into account your personal statement, and how well you’ve communicated your enthusiasm for the subject. University admissions teams want to see what you’ll contribute to university life, so they’ll look favourably on students who’ve been active members of clubs and societies at college/sixth form.

Some universities may ask you to attend an interview or selection day. Your performance here will form part of your application success.

Best universities for social work UK


According to the Complete University Guide League Tables 2021, the best universities for social work include:

  • University of Edinburgh (1st Overall)
  • Oxford Brookes University (1st for Student Satisfaction)
  • University of Stirling (1st for Graduate Prospects)

Other UK universities in the top 10 for social work include Lancaster University, University of Birmingham, University of Plymouth, University of York and Bournemouth University.

How to compare social work courses


Whatuni’s Find a Course tool allows you to compare social work courses. Search ‘Social Work’ to browse what courses are currently being offered.

Social work courses listed on Whatuni

To personalise your search you’ll see filters including course type, UK location and university. You can also filter the results based on your grades. By selecting a course you will see the full course outline, module choices, entry requirements, fee information and key course stats.

Details of a social work course on Whatuni

Once you’ve compiled a shortlist of courses, start your research by ordering each university’s prospectus. Book yourself onto an open day event too, as these will provide a closer look at the campus and give you the chance to speak with current students. We suggest also reading student reviews for an honest insight into what life is like at your shortlisted universities.

Social work student reviews on Whatuni

How to compare social work courses in Clearing 2022


Clearing is another opportunity to apply for social work courses. 2022 Clearing is now open and you can see what social work courses are available, and compare them, using Whatuni’s Clearing tool.

Some universities may even slightly reduce the entry requirements for Clearing courses. You can see up-to-date entry requirements on the individual social work course pages for each university on Whatuni.

What subjects could you study at university if you want a social work career later on?


You don’t have to study social work as your first degree. Other subjects may peak your interest in the meantime.

Courses you might consider include:

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Search for social work courses

Social Work Degree Guide

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