Social workers support and protect some of society’s most deprived and vulnerable people. It’s immensely challenging and rewarding work, requiring a high level of motivation and commitment. The OU offers a work-based distance learning route to the degree. Successful graduates are eligible to apply for registration as a qualified social worker with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), working in either children’s or adult services. To take this course, you need to be working in a social care agency in Scotland, whether or not you’re sponsored by your employer. You'll also need to be released from your substansive post to undertake two 100-day placements. In exceptional circumstances, placements within your work setting can be considered but will require the approval of the OU Social Work Team in Scotland.
**Key features of the course**
- Study through work-based and distance learning – this includes undertaking two 100-day work placements
- Develop the knowledge and practical skills that underpin effective practice
- Learn to deal professionally with complex, difficult and sensitive issues
- Improve your career progression opportunities within social work
Course Details - Modules
This qualification has four stages, each comprising 120 credits.
You’ll begin Stage 1 with two introductory modules – one with a focus on health and social care and one with a focus on the social sciences.
Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study a module on childcare and protection followed by a practice-based module where you’ll attend group workshops.
Stage 3 consists of a module on the law and social work followed by a practice-based module where you’ll undertake a 100-day placement.
Finally, in Stage 4, you’ll study either a module with a focus on investigating health and social care or mental health, and complete your degree with another 100 day social work practice placement.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
Deadline are not listed for this Course. This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
Application Code are not listed for this Course.
Institution code:
O11
Campus Name:
Distance Learning
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
This degree course is restricted to students working in social care in Scotland.
For sponsored students entry has to be made through the employing agency: you cannot apply direct to the OU. A limited number of places are available to non-sponsored students – for more information contact The Open University in Scotland.
Employing agencies and individuals who are interested in this degree should contact the Social Work Co-ordinator at The Open University in Scotland on 0131 226 3851 or email scotland@open.ac.uk.
All candidates for the degree must:
have qualifications in English and Maths at the level of Standard Grade Two
show that they can communicate clearly in spoken and written English
demonstrate that they have the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be social workers
take part in an interview
register with the SSSC as a student social worker – this includes a Disclosure Scotland check.
Many students receive credit transfer for study completed elsewhere, enabling them to start this programme at Stage 2. However, some may need to complete additional modules at Stage 1.
If you are a non-sponsored student, you must have completed Stages 1 and 2 either by passing the specified OU modules or by being awarded credit transfer for previous study elsewhere. Following a successful interview and selection, you will then enter the degree at Stage 3.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
