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Approach Social Work

Qualify to register as a social worker in England in 14 months, followed by an optional master’s degree in year 3, with a focus in child and family social work.

Approach Social Work is a national graduate training programme. You will need to have a degree and want to become a child and family social worker.  

Frontline deliver the Approach Social Work programme in-house and it is accredited by Lancaster University. This programme will give you the training to: 

  • qualify with a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in 14 months (year 1)  
  • apply to register as a social worker with Social Work England 
  • choose to study for an optional master’s degree within 3 years   

As part of Approach Social Work you will get a placement in one of Frontline’s partner local authorities across England.  

Applications to start Approach Social Work in summer 2025 are closed.  

Applications for summer 2026 reopen in September 2025. Check the Frontline website for updates or register your interest to be notified when applications reopen. 

Entry requirements

To apply for the Approach Social Work programme, you must have: 

  • at least a 2:2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent) 
  • GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above (or an approved equivalent qualification) 
  • have the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme  
  • be a resident in England by the time the programme commences 
  • not already be a qualified social worker 

If you apply with predicted degree results, you will need to prove that you will receive your results by a deadline set by Frontline. 

Frontline will ask you to provide official proof, once you have received your results.    

To book a place for an assessment centre, you'll need to provide Frontline with your official documents verifying your eligibility. This includes: 

  • your GCSE English Language and degree certificates 
  • proof of your right to work documentation 
  • a valid driving licence and access to a car for Frontline local authority partners based outside of London 

Frontline work with individuals on a case-by-case basis regarding a valid driving licence and access to a car to identify a suitable placement for their circumstances. 

Frontline will only make you an offer (if you pass the assessment centre stage) when you: 

You do not need any particular experience to apply for Approach Social Work. However, you can find out what Frontline are looking for in candidates, before submitting your application. 

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria to apply for Approach Social Work, you may be eligible for an alternative route into social work such as Step Up to Social Work, an Apprenticeship or an undergraduate or postgraduate course. 

Funding

There are no tuition fees for Approach Social Work. The programme is fully funded. You will receive a: 

  • tax-free bursary in year one of £18,000 outside London, or £20,000 in London
  • salary from your local authority employer (subject to securing employment after qualifying in year one) of up to £34,000 (depending on location), in the second and third year of the programme 

Receiving the bursary may affect benefits you receive. Check how student financial support might impact any benefits you currently receive, including childcare allowances and Universal Credit. 

Additional funding

As an Approach Social Work student, you may also be eligible to apply for two of Lancaster University’s support funds: Lancaster’s Opportunity and Access Fund (LOAF) and the emergency loan.   

There is no guarantee that you will receive these. You are less likely to be eligible, as you will already be receiving the bursary and will not be paying tuition fees. 

Frontline have a bursary advance and grant scheme which could support you cover expenses during your 50 days of academic learning (readiness for practice) at the start of the programme.  

Frontline have limited funds available for this scheme and can only offer grants to a very limited number of participants. You should also consider the impact of receiving reduced payments for the rest of the year.  

You might also also be eligible for: 

Application and selection process

The application and selection process for the Approach Social Work programme includes: 

  1. Registering interest online: Frontline send you a link to start your application once you have registered  
  2. Application form: This will consist of two competency-based questions as well as personal and academic information 
  3. Online assessment: you have seven days to complete this after submitting the application 
  4. Assessment stage: you are invited to attend a virtual assessment centre if you pass the online assessment stage 
  5. Pre-employment and programme checks: if you pass the assessment centre stage, Frontline can make you an offer for the programme.

However, before the offer is made, you will need to:  

Frontline’s application process details both the: 

  • stages of the application process 
  • competencies and other conditions needed to gain a place on and participate successfully in the programme 

Programme length and content

The Approach Social Work programme lasts three years. In year one, you will:  

  • complete nearly 50 days of academic learning at a university at the start of the programme (readiness for practice) 
  • complete over 200 days of on-the-job training with children and families 
  • qualify as a social worker, allowing you to apply to register with Social Work England  

Years two and three you (subject to securing employment) will complete an: 

  • Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (year two) 
  • optional, fully funded master’s degree (year three) 

The curriculum integrates both theoretical learning and the application of theory through practice.  

After you qualify

As a newly qualified social worker with a Postgraduate Diploma (level 7), you:   

ASYE helps you develop your skills in a supported environment. It's open to all newly qualified social workers employed in the public, private and voluntary sectors. 

After successfully completing the Approach Social Work programme, you will also become a member of the Frontline Fellowship, a growing network of social workers trained by Frontline. To support social workers' growth, Frontline offers training, funding opportunities, and ongoing support throughout your career.  

Social Work England requires you (as a qualified social worker) to demonstrate your continuing profession development (CPD) each year as a requirement of registration.  

Continue to develop your skills and knowledge in child and family social work with development programmes funded by the Department for Education. 

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