Social Work (Step Up to Social Work) - MA, PDip

University of Kent

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.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 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 don’t miss out on your chance to apply.For the PDip, you must complete all the compulsory modules.For the MA, you must complete all the compulsory modules and the Dissertation and Research Methods for Social Work modules.Students who wish to continue to complete the MA part of the course will retain their PG Diploma and their registration with Social Work England whilst undertaking the MA part of the course. On successful completion of the MA course, Social Work England are further notified, and students will hold both a PG Diploma and an MA qualification.