Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship

Programme structure

Learning and teaching on the programme aims to offer apprentices an active, transformational learning experience which will promote their own personal and professional development, and enable them to work with, and support, service users and carers to bring about change for users of services and carers and ensure protection when necessary.

Over the duration of the course, teaching aims to deliver learning that will enable apprentices to demonstrate the professional skills as outlined by Social Work England.

With support from the employer, apprentices are required to spend 20% of paid working hours on studies and be able to evidence this. This is a statutory requirement for apprenticeships and the funding is conditional on this being met. Off-the-job learning includes activities which have not previously been a part of the role or furthers apprentices development into new areas.

Entry requirements:

• A-levels (ABB-BBC)
• International Baccalaureate (32 points)
• QAA-approved access course, 30 Merit or Distinction grades at Level 3, including credits in written communication, study, reading and writing skills
• BTEC (DDM)
• Other equivalent qualifications may be considered

Core modules 

Year 1:

• Introduction to Social Work Practice
• Social Policy and Social Welfare
• Human Growth and Development
• Preparing for Social Work Practice
• Law for Social Workers
• Service User and Carer Needs and Resources

Year 3:

• Social Work Project
• Contemporary Social Work
• Practice Learning 2

Year 2:

• Social Work Practice with Adults, Children and Families: Skills, Theory and Context
• Social Work Practice: Children and Families: Law, Policy and Protection
• Practice Learning 1
• Developing Analytics and Reflective Social Work Practice

Please be aware this programme is undergoing a periodic review and module content and titles may change. Check back for the latest information.

Benefits and prospects 

The University of Brighton's Head of Department for Social Work 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.

Additionally, all staff teaching and tutoring on the programme are either actively undertaking research, or are specialists in the scholarship of their area of practice. This informs learning and teaching sessions and approaches, ensuring they are current and innovatory.

Prospects upon completion may include:

• Family Support Worker
• High Intensity Therapist
• Social Worker
• Adult Guidance Worker
• Youth Worker
• Play Therapist

Fees and funding information for apprentices 

Course fees

As an apprentice the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.

Student finance

Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.

Learning support

Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for Access to Work funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia team on 01273 643 799.