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Step Up to Social Work

Qualify to register as a social worker in England through an intensive, 14-month full-time programme, with a focus in child and family social work.

The Step Up to Social Work programme is an intensive, full-time, 14-month graduate training programme.  

The programme can be a good fit if you are looking to change your career . You will need to have a non social work related degree and want to become a child and family social worker.

This programme will give you the training to: 

Regional Partnerships made up of local authority employers and universities deliver the programme.

Step Up to Social Work currently accepts applications every two years. Check Step Up to Social Work for updates about potential future cohorts.

Entry requirements

To apply for the Step Up to Social Work programme, you must have:   

  • a minimum 2:2 degree qualification (level 6) in any subject other than social work (please note some Regional Partnerships will accept conditional offers) 
  • 6 months’ full-time (or equivalent) direct experience, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, of working with vulnerable children, young people or families, carers or vulnerable adults 
  • a GCSE in English or English language at grade 4 (C) 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 have a non-UK qualification, you should make sure that you have electronic versions of any certificates so that you can upload them to the online application portal.   

If you are invited to an assessment centre, you will be asked to provide original hard copy qualification certificates and identity documents. You should ensure that you have these at the time of applying. 

In some locations you may also need to have a driving licence and use of a vehicle. Not having a driving licence will not exclude you from the application process, but you will need to demonstrate that you can travel for work purposes. 

If you are successful at the assessment stage, your offer for a place on the programme will be subject to:   

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

Funding

There are no tuition fees for Step Up to Social Work. The programme is fully funded. You will receive a Department for Education (DfE) funded bursary of £21,995. The bursary:  

  • is not means tested and does not need to be repaid 
  • amount does not vary depending on a participant’s location 
  • is paid in monthly instalments 

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. 

Students on Step Up to Social Work may also be eligible for: 

Application and selection process

Step Up to Social Work currently accepts applications every two years. The application and selection process includes: 

  1. An application form: to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria and that you are suitable for the programme through the competency-based questions. 
  2. Written exercise and assessment centre: if you are successful at the application stage, your chosen Regional Partnership will invite you to complete a written exercise and attend an assessment centre. 
  3. Offer and onboarding checks: if you are successful at the assessment centre stage you will be offered a ‘provisional’ place on the programme.

The offer of a place will be subject to:

The application and selection process for Step Up to Social Work is comprehensive and takes several months to complete. You should consider this when applying, as the process involves multiple stages designed to ensure a thorough evaluation of all candidates. 

Programme length and content

The Step Up to Social Work programme lasts 14 months. Participants will complete:  

  • academic learning at a university 
  • around 170 placement days of hands-on social work with vulnerable children and families in a local authority 

The programme curriculum varies according to the local authority and partner university you are registered with, but it will be in line with Social Work England’s Professional Standards. For more information on curriculum content, contact your chosen Regional Partnership. 

After you qualify

As a newly qualified social worker with a Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7) in Social Work, 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. 

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. 

Next page: Approach Social Work

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