Every job is important, but the effort and work that goes on behind the scenes in Social work is significantly monumental. Here is how you can pursue a career in Social Work via the UK.
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Further Education Higher EducationWhat do I need?
Further Education
Further Education is considered Level 3 education in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The most common further education route is A-Levels but it’s not the only option. There are coursework based courses like BTEC. To pursue a Bachelors degree you must complete this stage first.
A-Levels
A-Levels are exam based courses. You can take from 3 A-Level subjects as most university courses require at least 3. For Social Work it is worth doing an A-Level in a subject related to the Social Sciences (e.g. Psychology, Sociology etc). The additional A-Levels you choose are fair game. Personally, I recommend Social Science related subjects as:
- Social Sciences subjects study human behaviour which is directly relevant to dealing with people – which is what Social Work is builds on.
- It will make it easier to gain and understanding of what will be taught at higher education levels. This is because you will be thinking in the frame of mind of someone in this field.
What qualifications do I need? A-level courses will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3) . Mathematics and English Language passes are customarily mandatory to possess as well. It is best to check the specific requirements of the school you intend to go to as the entry requirements may differ.
To find A-Level courses search online or Contact us for help.
BTEC Diploma
The process of obtaining this qualification is more practical in comparison to the more theory based academic A-Level.
These qualifications are available at different levels and depending on this, the diploma can be equivalent to up to three (3) A-Levels. BTECs can be taken alongside other qualifications (such as an A-Level) and can permit entry to university.
BTEC diplomas in Health & Social Work, Social Sciences etc. are among good options for subjects related to Social Work.
What qualifications do I need? It depends on the BTEC diploma you’re pursuing. Level 3 BTEC diplomas will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3). Mathematics and English Language passes are customarily mandatory to possess as well. It is best to check the specific requirements of the school you intend to go to as the entry requirements may differ.
To find BTEC courses search online or Contact Us for assistance.
But what if I’m over 18 and I have no Level 3 qualifications? We got you below.
Access to Higher Education
Access to Higher Education aka Access to HE, is tailored for students aged 19+ who intend to apply for an undergraduate course. These courses take only one year, performing as a fast track to higher education.
Access to Higher Education courses in Health and Social Work, Social Sciences etc. are among good options for subjects related to Hospitality.
What qualifications do I need? Access to HE diplomas will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3). Mathematics and English Language passes are customarily mandatory to possess as well. It is best to check the specific requirements of the school you intend to go to as the entry requirements may differ.
To find Access to Higher Education courses search online or Contact Us for assistance.
Higher Education
All applications to undergraduate courses are done via UCAS. Graphic design undergraduate courses can done in foundation degrees, HND or Bachelors level. Searching ‘Social Work‘ courses on UCAS throws a wealthy bunch of universities for you to choose from.
With the copious choices given, it may make it difficult to decipher which is best for you.
To start narrowing it down, we suggest you first look at the entry requirements to the course and assess your existing or prospective exam/coursework results.
Next have a look at the modules done by the university and think on if those are relevant to your career if you’ve already chosen. Also view the teaching quality at the university.
Finally, use comparative websites like Unistats or Complete University Guide to compare course satisfaction and other statistics to make informed decisions.
What qualifications do I need? It varies per university but largely universities require at least 112 tariff points. Check the entry requirements per course on UCAS. Some courses have foundation entry options which allows you to gain the qualification and continue the course with lower entry requirements.
Foundation courses can also be taken if your results/points accumulated in a Level 3 qualification were not high enough to allow entry to a standard three-year Bachelors course.
The two foundation options are:
- Foundation Degree – a standalone qualification (1-2 years) equivalent to one or two years of a Bachelors degree.
- Foundation Year – is the first year of a four year degree consisting of one year foundation year then 3 years of a normal Bachelors degree. At the end of the four-year course you will receive the same qualification as a three-year degree.
What qualifications do I need? It varies per university but usually universities require at least 40 tariff points. Check the entry requirements per course on UCAS.
To find Foundation courses, enter your area of study and search Foundation degrees here. In the filters select Foundation to only view Foundation courses.
Technical Routes
If you’re not interested in going the academic route to Social Work there are various options to choose from.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships can be searched for on UCAS or the National Apprentices Service . One can find apprenticeships schemes in the UK by searching on these sites using words related to your areas of interest. Otherwise simply have a search on Google.
Places are limited in various areas and you will need to prove your potential with extra things such as volunteering with care organisations and charities. Positive attitudes, overt intrinsic motivation and excellent communication skills are a plus. This helps communication between clients to ensure an accurate product.
What qualifications do I need? Apprenticeships will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3). Mathematics and English Language passes are customarily mandatory to possess as well. It is best to check the specific requirements of the apprenticeship as the requirements may differ.
Internships
Like apprenticeships, internships can be found on UCAS. Otherwise google searched for internships are worth your while.
Places are limited in various areas and you will need to prove your potential with extra things such as volunteering with care organisations and charities. Positive attitudes, overt intrinsic motivation and excellent communication skills are a plus. This helps communication between clients to ensure an accurate product.
What qualifications do I need? Internships will usually require at least 5 IGCSEs (A*-C)/CSECs (Grades 1-3). Mathematics and English Language passes are customarily mandatory to possess as well. It is best to check the specific requirements of the internship as the requirements may differ.
To find out what immigration hurdles you must pass to pursue education in the UK click here. For financial 411s click here.
Unsure about what Social Work is, read our explanatory post here.
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