News

What qualifications do I need to be a social worker?

DipSW
The Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) is a professional qualification for all social workers and education welfare officers in England. You can study for a DipSW course at a wide range of levels at 80 universities and colleges of higher education throughout England. Click here for a full list. The course takes a minimum of two years. DipSW courses are available on full-time, part-time, open and distance learning routes and involve a combination of academic learning and practical learning in social care settings. Click here for more information on the DipSW course.

New degree in social work
This year, a new degree has been introduced which over the next two years will gradually replace the DipSW. The last intake onto a DipSW programme will be 2004. However, anyone holding a DipSW qualification will be recognised as a qualified social worker. The new degree will be a three-year course with opportunities for postgraduates to complete it in two years. The new degree will make social work a graduate-level profession for the first time and will ensure that social work training reflects the very latest developments in the social care world. Click here for more information on the new degree course. A list of universities offering the new degree is available here.

NVQ in social care
An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) is a nationally recognised qualification that shows you are able to work to a set national standard. NVQs are based on National Occupancy Standards written by the particular employment-led body which represents your work area. In social care in England this is Topss England. NVQs are gained in the workplace, whether you are employed or on a placement there. But many NVQs require that you have a certain level of background knowledge about your area of work. NVQs in social care are: care levels 2,3,4, promoting independence level 3, caring for children and young people level 3 (nb minor variations of units for Scotland), diagnostic and therapeutic support level 3, registered managers (adult services) level 4 and registered managers (child care) level 4 (in development). The General Social Care Council will soon be inviting people with NVQs to apply to the social care register.

Length and type of training
Social workers normally spend a minimum of two years in full-time training.

Undergraduate DipSW courses are typically three years in length, and postgraduate courses are two years. These include full-time, employment-based, part-time and open or distance learning routes. Approximately half the time is spent in the university or college and during the course you will spend a minimum of 80 hours working alongside experienced social workers. You will be encouraged to experience different types of placements – in different sectors, and with different groups of service users. Your work will be assessed by a practice teacher – a social worker who has experience and training in helping students through practice placements. Social care agencies and service users are actively involved in DipSW programmes, helping to design and deliver the teaching.