Upon successful completion, learners will have the knowledge, skills and values required to practise as a social worker in England and to be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England.
Degree Apprenticeship
Social Work
Looking to begin an apprenticeship?
About the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship
Gain a BSc (Hons) degree from University of Gloucestershire on this apprenticeship programme that gives learners the knowledge and expertise to become effective and compassionate practitioners.
Social Work England (SWE) are the regulator for Social Work in England. The BSc (Hons) Social Work Apprenticeship programme offered by University of Gloucestershire the meets the standards for SWE and enables successful students to become eligible to register with SWE. You cannot practise as a social worker without registration with SWE.
The apprenticeship social work route is one of the qualifying pathways open to employees working in local authorities or private, voluntary and independent agencies offering inclusive opportunity to complete formal social work training and learning.
The apprenticeship programme is structured around workplace learning and the teaching staff support the apprenticeship team in delivering the social work curriculum. Throughout the programme, apprentices have the opportunity to work and learn about the role and responsibilities of a social worker but also gain insight about themselves which is needed as we work in an increasingly complex world.
We appreciate that some apprentices may have not been part of formal education for an extended period of time, and some apprentices have anxiety about returning or entering higher education. The teaching and support team acknowledge this and recognise apprentices who are also working may need additional structure around their learning and additional support and care on their educational journey. As committed lifelong learners ourselves we will do what we can to help on your educational journey.
The programme offered at the university offers a blended learning approach which includes face-to-face teaching and learning sessions and makes use of technology to enable online delivery. This is supported by direct contact with academic staff on a set day over the programme. We recognise apprentices bring experience, their own insights, lived experience and skills which, alongside the curriculum content, further develops the knowledge, skills and values required to practise as a social worker.
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What are Degree Apprenticeships?
Degree apprenticeships are a fantastic way to upskill employees and train new staff. They contribute to improved competitiveness and productivity, as well as increased staff retention.
Degree apprentices study for higher level qualifications alongside working. As such, they spend at least 6 working hours each week carrying out ‘off-the-job training’ where they study for their degree and gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are required to successfully complete the apprenticeship.
Large employers can use their apprenticeships levy to pay for apprenticeship training. Smaller firms can claim up to 95 per cent of these costs from the Government. This means apprenticeships are a cost-effective choice for both the employer and learner.
Modules
In year 1, we give our learners an opportunity to engage with academic work in order to produce content to a higher standard than expected at A-level study. This includes, as a minimum requirement, engagement with quality academic literature, course texts and online material.
SW4007 Values, Ethics and Diversity
Within this module learners have the opportunity to reflect upon their own value base and consider how this may inform their practice. Ethical dilemmas are explored, along with ethical decision-making. Diversity and discrimination are examined, as well as how different cultures and communities shape our society and the impact of this upon social work practice.
The concept of power is explored, alongside the importance of rights and responsibilities. Relationships within social work practice are analysed with regard to effective partnerships, empowerment, maintaining professional accountability, and confidentiality. The ethical and legal frameworks underpinning practice are applied.
SW4008 Professional knowledge 1
Within this module learners gain an understanding of the legislation that underpins professional practice. Human growth and development is explored, and the impact of key stages and transitions is examined. Social work theories that assist the understanding of society, social problems and behaviours are discussed and evaluated. This includes an introduction to safeguarding and signs of abuse and neglect.
SW4009 Professionalism 1
On this module learners are introduced to the role of the social worker and the requirements of the professional body. The different social and organisational contexts in which social workers operate are discussed. Professional accountability is explored alongside the principles of good recording and record keeping. Models of supervision are explored, along with the importance of reflection within social work practice to ensure personal well-being and safety.
SW4010 Intervention and skills
Within this module, the importance of effective communication is explored. Learners develop an understanding of the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication. Consideration is given to how effective communication impacts upon service user and carer engagement, as well as the factors that can impact upon this. Assessment and assessment skills are explored and methods of intervention are discussed, including strength-based perspectives.
In year 2, learners further engage with quality academic work in terms of understanding and applying theoretical knowledge for demonstration and justification of their writing. They continue to engage with personal and professional development.
SW5006 Contexts and organisations
Within this module apprentices gain an understanding of multi-agency working and the skills required to work effectively with other professionals and organisations. The importance of teamwork and understanding the nature of other people’s roles is explored. Effective information sharing and the policy and legislative framework underpinning this is also analysed – this includes IT data sharing protocols.
SW5009 Rights, Justice and Wellbeing
The concepts of participation, advocacy, co-production, involvement and empowerment are analysed within this module. The impact of injustice, demography, social inequality, policies and other issues that impact on adults, families and communities are critically evaluated. Ethical decision-making is discussed and consideration is given to balancing the rights of individuals whilst also preventing harm.
SW5008 Professional knowledge 2
This module builds upon Professional Knowledge 1. It considers the application of legislation to practise and explores research methods and how research and the examination of evidence can inform social work practice.
SW5001 70-day placement module
This module consists of a 70-day practice placement. Apprentice social work students are expected to familiarise themselves with and undertake work within a social work or social care setting, so that apprentice students develop and display skills, apply the knowledge and values within an approved agency in which they are placed.
Apprentice students are assessed against their ability to meet Social Work Apprenticeship Standards, SWE Professional Standards and BASW’s Professional Capability Framework (PCF) requirements at End of First Placement level.
By the end of the first placement, apprentice students should demonstrate effective use of knowledge, and skills and commitment to core social work values by working with predominantly less complex situations. Apprentice students will have demonstrated the capability to work relationally with people and reflect on ethical dilemmas. Apprentice students will engage with supervision with a practice educator and with their mentor. There is a comprehensive practice placement handbook that supports apprentice students and practice educators. Apprentice students are supported by their training team, through attendance at recall days and utilising allocated study time.
In year 3, learners develop academic skills and have opportunities to demonstrate deeper understanding, drawing on all their studies and practical experience to date – both within and outside of their apprenticeship.
SW6009 Professional Leadership
Within this module learners explore the concepts of ‘professionalism’ and ‘professional social work.’ They identify for themselves what being a professional social worker means. They also consider the implications of continuing professional development.
The concept of leadership and the use of authority within social work practice is analysed, as well as the skills required to be an effective leader. The multi-agency and multi-disciplinary context of social work practice is critically evaluated and organisational theory is applied to enhance understanding.
SW6010 Intervention and Skills 3
Critical reflection and the use of power within the social work relationship is explored further. Strategies to manage the emotional and physical impact of practice in order to build resilience is examined.
Other topics explored include working with complexity and change, and managing difficult conversations and challenge in practice. The balance between autonomy with accountability is examined, as well as working with resistance and conflict and enabling effective and sustainable change.
SW6008 Professional Knowledge 3
This module builds upon the theoretical understanding in relation to social work with adults, families and communities. It explores the application of research when responding to complex situations and the legal, social, economic and ecological context of social work is analysed. Drawing upon a wide range of knowledge and evidence, learners apply their understanding when working with individuals and families accessing social care services. Complex problem definition and the impact on adults, children and communities is explored using different theoretical models. Difference and diversity is explored, along with the types of discrimination impacting upon individuals. Consideration is given to statutory interventions to protect vulnerable adults and children.
SW6006 Dissertation
The work may support apprentice students anticipated final year placement. The module aims: to provide a framework for apprentice students to specialise in an area of study, engage in a literature review and critique that is relevant to their chosen pathway or career but does not involve primary research. Students will develop further their understanding of research methodology and its potential application to social work practice.
Dissertation study requires the demonstration of an ability to work more autonomously on a negotiated topic, which has been approved by, and will be supervised by, a relevant course tutor. Apprentice students will develop a firm understanding of current research and developments within and between sectors, using local, regional, national, European and other relevant international perspectives.
SW6001 100-day Placement
This is the second placement module providing opportunities for apprentice students to demonstrate professional capability and standards at qualifying level. This module will provide opportunities for apprentice students to experience social work practice in order to integrate and demonstrate continuous development of knowledge, skills and values, carrying out statutory social work duties, at ‘End of Final Placement’ level of the Professional Capabilities Framework.
Apprentice students should draw on learning from the 70-day placement, from academic and skills-based modules and apply this to the 100-day placement setting, guided by structured supervision and support from the placement and the university. Work undertaken will include a degree of complexity, risk and interventions which is commensurate for a Level 6 apprentice social work student. Apprentice students can autonomously work with care and support needs, and can co-work, but not lead on, safeguarding situations. Apprentice students are assessed against their ability to meet Social Work Apprenticeship Standards, SWE Professional Standards and BASW’s Professional Capability Framework (PCF) at End of Final Placement level.
A brand-new campus
Teaching for this apprenticeship will take place at UoG’s new campus in Gloucester city centre from September 2025.
The vibrant campus will be at the heart of the regeneration of Gloucester city centre. It will bring an iconic building back to life as a modern centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships, through placements, research and outreach activity, and provide cutting-edge facilities for your course.
Our new campus is partly funded by Gloucester’s successful £20million ‘Levelling Up’ bid, the building is being refurbished to an exceptionally high standard and will include state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for all our learners.
We have also secured a landmark £29million in funding from Barclays linked to our commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals: to recruit a higher proportion of UK-domiciled young BAME students; widen access, engagement and participation for students from deprived areas; and to reduce gas and electricity CO2 emissions as part of its commitment to Net Zero by 2030.
As part of its decarbonisation drive, the University has also secured £3.3million funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) as part of its Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, delivered by Salix. The scheme aims to put the public sector at the forefront of decarbonising buildings in the UK.
As well as training the region’s future social workers and teachers, it is estimated that over its lifetime, the campus will add over £300million of direct and indirect value to the county’s economy, as well as more than 4,000 jobs.
Employer and learner support
Learners have a personal tutor throughout their apprenticeship, as well as a learner coach who conducts reviews and supports them towards successful completion. They are also supported by module tutors and our Student Centre staff, who are contactable by telephone, in person and online.
Employers are able to access our dedicated apprenticeship support team, who are here to ensure that businesses get the best from both the learner and the programme.
Learner benefits
All apprentices have access to:
· experienced professionals, who are experts in their field
· state-of-the-art facilities
· all university libraries and IT and facilities
· discounted travel with Stagecoach across the South West network
· an NUS card offering great discounts at restaurants and high street stores
· a vibrant social scene complete with bars, sports clubs, gyms and leisure facilities
View our apprenticeships FAQ guide and discover answers to the most commonly asked questions about higher and degree apprenticeships.
Entry requirements
Degree apprentices should be in full-time employment (e.g. at least employed for 30 hours per week) throughout the duration of their apprenticeship, and 20% of their working hours should be spent on off-the-job training.
Apprentices must have level 2 qualifications in English and maths (GCSE grade 4/C or above, or equivalent) before they complete the degree.
If you have prior study at University level (Cert HE, foundation degree, or degree) you may be able to apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for some modules. Find out more on our website or by emailing [email protected].
Individual employers may wish to set additional entry requirements to suit their organisational needs.
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