This practical, work-based course gives you the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised professional qualification in social work together with a postgraduate academic award. It offers intensive, hands-on experience of working in a social work role through placements in a local authority.

This innovative Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Social Work Practice (Step Up to Social Work) is commissioned by two regional employer partnerships to provide high-quality, work-based education and training for aspiring social workers. Funded by the Department for Education, students on this course receive a bursary and are fully supported by a local authority Children’s Services department.

It is designed to give you the ability to critically evaluate current theoretical understanding and practice while developing your ability to apply your knowledge and skills in your workplace. The course also offers you the opportunity to undertake a piece of supervised original research.

Find out more about applying for Step Up to Social Work

• Postgraduate certificate – 60 credits at Master's level

Why choose this course?

• Study and evaluate the social power structures that create inequalities, and acquire an awareness of the tools and techniques you can use to counter them
• Explore your own and others’ practice as well as current research in the field
• Develop a deep understanding of the applied social sciences, including sociology, social policy, law and ethics, and the way these disciplines inform social work
• Gain a critical awareness of current issues in the practice of social work, and learn the approaches required to address them
• Build the skills of initiative, resourcefulness, critical reflection and emotional literacy that you need to develop creative and sympathetic solutions to human problems

This course is not open to direct application - apply via the Department for Education www.gov.uk/guidance/step-up-to-social-work-information-for-applicants

In order to be eligible for this course you must have a first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class honours) in any discipline, in addition, you must meet the Department for Education criteria of having experience of working with children, young people and families and demonstrate emotional resilience.

You must also have achieved at least Key Skills level 2 in English and Mathematics (normally equivalent to grade C in the GCSE examination in English and Mathematics).

The initial recruitment process will be managed nationally by the Department for Education and applicants will then be shortlisted and interviewed locally by regional employers and their partner HEIs, in this case the University of Bedfordshire. You will be required to demonstrate substantial relevant experience and an aptitude to work with children and families in need, i.e. the appropriate personal qualities, values and skills to be a social worker (i.e. the Professional Capabilities Framework at entry level).

The local selection process will include a written task, group exercise, role play and personal interview in accordance with the College of Social Work guidance on recruitment. You will be required to declare any previous offences (including reprimands and formal warnings) and any previous disciplinary matters, and if selected, you will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure your suitability for working with vulnerable groups. In addition you will need to complete a health declaration and give permission for contact with your GP, where necessary, to confirm your suitability for Social Work training and professional registration.

If you have relevant prior experience and /or certificated learning you may be able to claim RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) in accordance with the University's published criteria and up to a maximum of 60 academic credits at M level.

How will this course improve my career prospects?

Graduates achieving the Postgraduate Diploma will be eligible to register and practice as a social worker; if your local authority has vacancies, you will be guaranteed an interview for a social worker role in children and families’ statutory social work. The starting salary for a social worker in most authorities in this region is around £30k per annum.

The qualification also opens up career paths within a wide range of statutory, private, voluntary and independent organisations providing services to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, children, families, groups and communities.