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Postgraduate Diploma
Medway Campus
Full Time
JAN-26
14 Months
Select a course option
Postgraduate Diploma
Medway Campus
Full Time
JAN-27
14 Months
Postgraduate Diploma
Medway Campus
Full Time
JAN-26
14 Months
Select a an exam type
Step up to social work is an intensive, 14-month, full-time programme run by the Department for Education. If you want to become a social worker but do not have a degree in social work, you can train through this programme.
The Kent and Medway Regional Partnership will be opening a new recruitment round for 20 aspiring social workers to start this programme in January 2026.
Students can expect to learn through a combination of academic study and real social work experience in either Kent or Medway Local Authority. On completion, the Postgraduate Diploma will enable graduates to register and practice as a social worker, making a difference by nurturing relationships with families during difficult times and by protecting children.
Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference for vulnerable children and families. You will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener. You will also need good observational skills, analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children. Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve - all of which you will need to succeed. Social work can be life changing for those you support.
This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, as the Department for Education provides funding via a tax-free bursary payment of £19,833, over the duration of the programme, and payment of University fees for successful applicants. This will allow you to change or start a new career in social work and be able to continue to pay your bills and fund your living costs while you are studying. The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you dont miss out on your chance to apply.
The School of Social Sciences is one of the best in the country for teaching and research. Successful graduates of the Step-Up to Social Work programme are eligible to apply to register with Social Work England, the regulatory body for social work, meaning that you are ready to jump into a meaningful and successful career in social work.
Recruitment to Step Up to social work is managed by the Kent and Medway regional partnership and applications to step UP to social work must be made through a centra department for Education. We are looking for strong graduates who have experience of working with vulnerable children, Young people, families or vulnerable adults and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidats and aim to have a workforce that represents the society that we serve.
You will need to have a minimum 2:2 level 6 degree qualification, for example an honours degree or a graduate certificate to apply to the programme. You should also have GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent). You will need to show all of your original certificates to us as part of the application and assessment process.
Students living in
Domestic
£833 month
Students from Domestic
This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
£1,608 month
Students from EU
The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.
£1,608 month
Students from International
The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.
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