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Social Work

Social Worker – Degree Apprenticeship
MA
Duration
2 years
Start
September 2025
Delivery
Blended learning

On our MA Degree Apprenticeship in Social Work you'll become a qualified social worker while working within social care. On successful completion, you will be eligible to apply to register with Social Work England.

Why study with us

  • On completion you can become qualified as a Social Worker and be eligible to apply to Social Work England for registration.
  • You'll be taught by lecturers who have experience as social workers or who are still in practice. You'll also have a personal tutor who will provide 1:1 support throughout your degree.
  • Your employer will be invested in your learning, you'll be given support from both them and the university to achieve your full potential. This will enable you to progress to a qualified social work role.

Important information

  • This course is only available to UK students.
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Why choose a Degree Apprenticeship?

With a Degree Apprenticeship you can achieve both a qualification and a career boost. It’s the perfect opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours in the workplace as you earn a salary.

You'll be supported every step of the way by both your employer and the university, with a shared focus on helping you grow, succeed, and become a confident, qualified social worker

Who is this course for?

This course is for those who want to gain a qualification to work as a professional Social Worker. You may want to work in children’s services, adult services, mental health or disability services. You will want to make a difference to those in need.

In order to apply for the apprenticeship you will need to be in suitable employment, with full support from your employer. You will already hold a first degree.

You'll want to develop as a practitioner and thrive from the opportunity to learn. Whichever area of practice you choose, you'll want to know how to work safely and effectively with individuals who use services. You'll be passionate about achieving a high standard of social work practice, positively impacting individuals’ lives, their families and the wider community.

Overview and opportunities

  • In addition to having support during your studies by a tutor you will have also access to an achievement coach and from our student services team.
  • We invite a number of guest speakers, people with lived experience of social work and practitioners to contribute to the teaching and learning. You will attend bespoke skills sessions tailored to contemporary social work themes.
  • We work collaboratively with both you and your employer to ensure that you make progress and achieve your full potential.

Modules

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. We may also make changes to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Entry requirements

Minimum qualifications:

  • Applicants should have a 2:2 Honours Degree
  • Be employed within statutory social care within an organisation that has met the requirements of the apprenticeship funding rules. In collaboration with the employer the candidate’s suitability and capability for completing the apprenticeship will be decided with extensive experience of practice within social care
  • English GCSE Grade A-C or equivalent
  • In addition to clearly demonstrating how they will meet the academic requirements of the course applicants must demonstrate significant experience relevant to Social Work and should indicate a clear motivation for applying for the course on their UCAS statement. Significant experience refers to experience which develops relevant values and skills and applicants’ understanding of social work roles
  • Applicants must pass an interview
  • Candidates who are successful in their interview must complete a Declaration of Suitability form in which they will make declarations in respect to Criminal Convictions, Conduct, Health and Overseas Residency. Where declarations are made the School Suitability Panel will consider those declarations in respect to its terms of reference. The panel may require that the candidate submits further information or evidence. The Panel may withdraw any offers of places on the course in line with its terms of reference. Students or learners will also have to undertake the Enhanced DBS process prior to the commencement of their first placement

This course involves working with vulnerable people, including children. To make sure we accept suitable students, you must get a clear enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, previously called a CRB check.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies. Select your country or region to see if you are eligible and how to apply. 

We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies. 

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Information for employers

An apprentice is someone employed within your organisation in an unqualified social care role. The apprentice will study to qualify to be a social worker and upon successful completion will be eligible to register with Social Work England to become a qualified and registered Social Worker.

On completion of the Social Work Integrated Degree Apprenticeships the learner will also achieve a MA in Social Work.

The course usually requires the student to spend one day a week on campus.

This course meets the level 6 Apprenticeship Standard for social work. The apprentice will have the knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen career as a social worker.

Social Work Apprenticeship Standard

Benefits to the employer

  • Successful graduates will become qualified as a Social Worker. They'll gain an advanced ability and skill set, enhancing your organisation’s reputation and demonstrating how you invest in your workforce.
  • Apprenticeships provide a way to develop a more motivated and productive workforce in your organisation.
  • Apprenticeships offer a valuable way to support succession planning, helping you keep and develop essential skill sets within your organisation.

This course is delivered by the School of Health, Social Work and Sport

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Lancashire on our student contract page