Ways to qualify as a social worker

Discover the ways to qualify as a social worker in England.

Social work is a rewarding and impactful career that supports children, families, and communities. There are different routes you can take to become and qualify as a social worker. These routes are suitable for anyone thinking about a change in career or just starting out on this career path. 

To practice as a child and family social worker in England, you must:

Social Work England approve social work courses against the education and training standards. This ensures that students who successfully complete a course can meet the professional standards. All social work training routes enable you to work in both adult and children’s social work. Some routes offer more specific training relevant to those sectors. 

Compare the routes

There are 4 main routes to becoming a qualified child and family social worker: 

  • undergraduate (level 6) degree in social work 
  • postgraduate (level 7) qualification in social work  
  • degree apprenticeship (level 6) in social work 
  • graduate training programmes: Approach Social Work and Step Up to Social Work (level 7) 

The routes differ based on: 

  • funding and pay conditions  
  • qualifications requirements 
  • previous experience requirements  
  • duration and combination of academic learning and work experience 
  • resulting qualifications 
RouteTuition feesCourse length

Undergraduate degree (level 6) 

Yes

3 years
(part-time available) 

Postgraduate qualification (level 7)

Yes

2 years
(part-time available) 

Degree Apprenticeship (level 6)  

No

3 years
(part-time available) 

Step Up to Social Work
Postgraduate Diploma (level 7)

No

14 months
(full-time only) 

Approach Social Work
Year 1: Postgraduate Diploma (level 7) 
Year 3: master's degree (level 7)

No

Up to 3 years
(full-time only) 

You will gain the required experience in at least two practice settings during your training. This will give you a diverse set of skills and insights into the complexities of various situations. For example, working in child protection and then with vulnerable adults.  

If you would like to specialise in adult social work, including mental health social work, depending on your circumstances you may consider:    

  • an undergraduate degree (level 6) or postgraduate qualification (level 7)
  • a degree apprenticeship (level 6) in social work

The Approach Social Work and Step Up to Social Work programmes have a focus on child and family social work. 

Before you apply

Whichever route you take to become a social worker you need to check you:  

  • have the right to work and claim public funds in the United Kingdom 
  • can obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with list checks against all registers including both children and vulnerable adults 
  • can access copies of all your academic and professional qualification certificates for your applications 
  • are suited to the balance of classroom learning, assignments, assessments and work placements 

In some cases, you will need to check: 

  • if you will need a driving licence or access to a vehicle for work placements 
  • any effect that student financial support will have on benefits you currently receive 

After you qualify

As a newly qualified social worker, 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: Undergraduate degree in social work

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These resources have been developed by Department for Education.
Published: 19 May 2025
Last updated: 28 November 2025
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