Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
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. Our BA (Honours) Social Work (Northern Ireland) is approved by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC), and successful completion entitles you to apply for registration as a social worker. As part of this work-based programme, you’ll need to have current experience working in a social work/care capacity, and you'll also need the sponsorship of a relevant social work/care employer throughout your degree. Key features of the course
- Continue in your employment while you study, earning while you learn
- Study through work-based and distance learning
- Develop the knowledge and practical skills that underpin effective practice
- Improve your career progression and opportunities within social work
Modules
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits. You’ll start Stage 1 with a module introducing health and social care, followed by a module that introduces social work practice, the key roles, standards of conduct and communication skills for social workers. Stage 2 starts with a module covering the law and social work and is followed by a practice module which includes an 85-day placement. At Stage 3, you’ll choose one module from a choice of four options, and conclude your degree with a practice module where you will undertake a 100-day placement.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
This degree is restricted to students who are being sponsored in their practice by their employing agency. To study this degree, you must also: - have GCSE at grades A*-C in English and mathematics or certified equivalent - meet the UCAS tariff threshold of 96 points or equivalent - show that you can communicate clearly in spoken and written English (with and IELTS score of 7 if English is not your first language) - demonstrate that you have the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be a social worker - obtain an Enhanced Disclosure from Access Northern Ireland - complete a health check - produce a written personal statement in your application - take part in an interview. Entry to the degree must be through your employing agency; you cannot apply direct to the OU. If you volunteer with a social care agency, they may be able to sponsor you on to the programme, but they must be a designated site for providing social work placements.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For fees and funding information about this course, please refer to the course description on The Open University website.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ