Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship

More than an apprenticeship 

As a programme of qualifying social work education, learning and teaching on the  Social Work Degree Apprenticeship is concerned with the development of:

• Sound up to date knowledge of social work (and the relevant applied social sciences) theory, research, law and practice guidance
• The academic, cognitive and conceptual skills associated with self managed practice and scholarship – skills in critical analysis and evaluation of material and practice situations and ability to reflect on these
• Sound skills for practice in challenging and complex situations (including those involving safeguarding of vulnerable children and adults)
• The synthesis, integration and application of knowledge and skills to practice

What it covers

At the end of the programme, successful apprentices will demonstrate:

• Systematic knowledge of contemporary social work theories, methods, values and ethics, together with systematic understanding of their application practice
• Coherent and detailed understanding of the tasks, responsibilities and accountability of social workers, of protecting children and adults at risk and of the requirements of the Health and Social Care Professions Council’s Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students
• Systematic and applied understanding of bio-psychosocial theories of child and lifespan development, including ageing, mental health and disability
• Up to date knowledge of applied social policy and law, including relevant practice guidance
• Critical understanding of diversity, human rights, social justice and equality, social inclusion and welfare and of the central importance of person-centred practice and of the perspectives and strengths of users of services and carers in informing practice 
• Systematic understanding of research approaches; the application of these to evaluation of research evidence, together with critical understanding of the importance of research evidence in informing and evaluating practice
• Critical understanding of the organisational context of social work, of the role of others within it, and of the multi-agency and inter professional context of social work

Why partner with us

• The University of Brighton has been providing social work education for over 20 years
• We believe we have the knowledge, skills, flexibility and experience to ensure successful completion for the apprenticeship journey
• The University of Brighton Social Work Head of Department was a member of the Institute of Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group for the Integrated Social Work Degree and remains involved in national and local discussions and consultations
• All staff who teach on the Social Worker programmes are registered and qualified social workers with relevant professional experience in a range of social work settings

Find out more about the Social Worker Apprenticeship Standard.