Course summary

This 19-month PgDip prepares you to work in a rapidly changing, complex and unpredictable sector, offering the most up-to-the-minute knowledge, skills and practice. It is designed as an entry route to a social work qualification for those with an undergraduate degree in any subject and experience in social work/care. With a focus on applying theory to practice, it combines work-placement experience, practical skills development and academic study. The course equips you with the skills, ethical principles, deep knowledge, critical awareness and reflexivity needed to both develop your existing knowledge and experience, and support you to pursue a career in this challenging and rewarding field. You may be eligible for a Social Work Bursary administered by the NHS Business Services Authority. Course accreditation Our Social Work courses are accredited by Social Work England. This accreditation is needed to practise in the sector. Facilities and specialist equipment Access to the Faculty’s range of fully immersive simulation units, moot court, and police custody suite and interview room, preparing you to respond to and manage a range of scenarios. Industry links Strong links with local authorities including Luton, Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Hertfordshire, giving a wide choice of placement opportunities. The University’s XBX Group (experts by experience) ensure the voices of those with lived experience of social work services are incorporated into all aspects of the course. Your student experience Learn the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to be a qualified social worker, working with adults and children in the private, voluntary and independent sectors. Benefit from intensive, hands-on experience of working in a social work role through placements in a local authority. All placements are under constant development with our employer partners. Explore the role of social work; its inter-relationship with other disciplines; and the ethical base for practice where initiative must be balanced with accountability. Develop a deep and systematic understanding of current theoretical and methodological approaches, and acquire the skills necessary for analytical, research-informed practice. Gain the skills in critical reflexivity and emotional literacy that underpin collaborative social work practice and proactive professional development. Benefit from classroom and placement activities that develop your collaborative and communication abilities, showing you how they can be applied to complex tasks. Career opportunities Approved by Social Work England (SWE), this course opens up a rewarding career path. Successful graduates are eligible to apply to the social work regulator Social Work England for professional registration. Once registered, you can pursue a professional social work career across a range of settings including within local authorities and many private and voluntary agencies throughout the UK. After completing this PgDip, you also have the option to continue with your postgraduate studies with our part-time MProf Social Work Practice.