Postgraduate Diploma and MA in Social Work

To better support employers workforce development goals we offer a postgraduate-level social work qualification. This qualification enables candidates who already hold a first degree to qualify more quickly. Through our Postgraduate Diploma, students can become qualified social workers in less than 18 months.

Our qualification covers key areas of social work; children and families, adults and mental health social work, with reference throughout on the legal context. The program adopts a fully integrated approach, combining practice learning with skills development and theoretical studies. It is work-based and is typically delivered in collaboration with social work employers. However, in Scotland, students have the option to study independently with employer support.

The postgraduate program includes both a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work and an MA in Social Work. The PG Dip is recognized as a qualifying award for registration as a social worker in England and has also been approved by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for registration in Scotland.

Geographical availability

The full Master's program, including the PG Dip, is available for study in both England and Scotland. It is approved as a social work qualifying award by Social Work England (SWE) and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Currently, the PG Dip is not offered to students working in Wales. Prospective students who intend to work in Wales after completing their qualification in England or Scotland should consult with the relevant regulatory body before applying.

Candidates who have already earned a qualifying Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work from another institution may be eligible for credit transfer to register directly for the dissertation module and 'top up' to the MA. This option is available across the UK.

Further information and how to apply

If you are interested in our programmes, here is some key information about the program content, entry requirements, fees, and application process:
Information for employers in England
Information for potential students in England
Funding options for postgraduate students in England
Information for potential students and/or employers in Scotland
If you are based in Scotland please email the Scotland team (scotland@open.ac.uk) or call 0131 226 3851.

England

Academic entry requirements

Please check all applicants meet the academic entry requirements before submitting their application. Applications cannot be accepted if results are still pending. All applicants must provide copies of the following documents with their application:

• Numeracy certificate
• English certificate
• Degree certificate
• IELTS certificate (only if English is not their first language)
• Fully enhanced DBS which includes both Adults and Children

If certificates are missing, replacements can be requested via the government's exam certificate website. Original copies of the above documentation will be required if an applicant is invited to attend a Selection Day.

Application and selection

Forms for employer partners

If you are interested in sponsoring a candidate for the Postgraduate Diploma and MA in Social Work program, or if you haven't sponsored a candidate within the last four years, please contact Angela Gill (BDU-SW@open.ac.uk). If you are not an employer please contact the Health, Wellbeing and Social Care Student Support Team (hsc-support@open.ac.uk) for support and advice.

For information on implementing our social work programmes in your agency please download our Employer Handbook.

Forms for existing employers

If you are currently sponsoring candidates in our Social Work degree programs, please contact your existing Open University contact or tutor for the necessary application forms.

Scotland

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a degree in a relevant health/societal/psychology or other cognate discipline such as:

• Health and Social Care
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology
• Sociology/Social Studies
• Law/Legal studies
• Teaching/Education

Degrees in other fields may be considered, based on their content, additional relevant qualifications, and work or volunteer experience.

Applicants must also have at least one year of experience directly engaging with Service Users in a professional setting. This experience will be evaluated individually, but typically, it should be in a local authority or with a health or social care provider in the private, voluntary, or independent sector.

Numeracy is required, either through a SCQF level 5 numeracy certificate or by passing a short numeracy test. Evidence of all academic and vocational qualifications will be required during the interview process. If certificates are missing, replacements can be requested via the Scottish government's exam certificate website.

To check whether your combination of academic and practice experience meets the entry requirements, you can email The Open University in Scotland at (scotland@open.ac.uk).

Candidates with a relevant undergraduate degree and a proven record of experience of working directly with Service Users in a professional Social Care setting for a minimum of one year are invited to apply.

Application and selection process

The PG Dip in Scotland is available to both sponsored and independent students. For sponsored students, please discuss with your employing agency for further information and deadlines.

Sponsored applicants

Employers wishing to support and sponsor candidates should email the Social Work Scotland team (R11-SHSW@open.ac.uk) discuss your requirements.

Independent applicants

Self-funding candidates can apply directly for the PGDip and should email The Open University in Scotland at (scotland@open.ac.uk)

It is important to ensure that your employer will allow you to undertake pre-module and early-module practice experience activities within your workplace and release you for the two periods of practice learning.