How to become a social worker

‘Social worker’ is a protected title, so the routes to qualifying as a social work professional are regulated by the UK care regulators. It’s important to enrol on an ‘approved’ course. Here is also some information about fast-track and apprenticeships options as well as more traditional routes - and the financial support available for your studies. 

Requirements may also vary across the four nations of the UK, so do make sure the information is relevant for the nation you intend to study and work in.

You'll find more information on this page on how to become a social worker along with information on:

• Qualifications and experience
• Entry requirements (UK)
• The Open University (OU) social work programmes
• Approved courses
• Social Work Apprenticeships
• Fast-track and bursaries
• Overseas qualified social workers looking to work in the UK

Qualifications and experience

Social workers must have a degree in social work (BA), or master’s degree in social work. A master’s degree is a two-year-long postgraduate course for those with a degree in a different subject. Some universities offer part-time studying.

Experience is an important part of social work qualifications. A work placement forms half of social work courses with academic learning focusing on legislation, ethics and theory. You’ll need some experience of social work or social care when applying to study. This can be paid, voluntary or placement work, or even life experience.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements differ from course to course. Generally, you’ll need a minimum of 240 UCAS points: five GCSEs grade A* to C, including English and Maths, and two A-levels.

The Open University (OU) run social work programmes to allow you to study at your own pace and continue to work. However, you have to find your own social work placement and employer to sponsor you, which can be difficult. The OU programme is best-suited to those already working in social care.

Approved courses

Find a course that’s approved by your UK regulatory body.

• Courses in England are approved by Social Work England. Visit What Uni? for a social work degree guide.
• Integrated Degree Apprenticeship for Social Workers is now available - find out more about the assessment plan.
• Courses in Scotland are approved by SSSC.
• Courses in Northern Ireland are approved by NISCC.
• Courses in Wales are approved by Social Care Wales.

Apply for social work courses via UCAS.

BASW’s Social Work learning materials

• As a BASW student member you can access member only benefits via our student hub.  We also offer bespoke support such as the student ambassador scheme, and nation specific support such as mentoring forums.. adding even more value to your membership.
• BASW membership supports every stage of your social work career - see our tailored BASW membership benefits 
• Consider applying for roles in social work teams which don’t require a social work qualification, to provide relevant experience and access to social work supervision
• Shadow a registered social worker
• If you are a BASW member, contact your BASW country office, for further advice, but please note that we cannot arrange supervised practice for re-registration applicants.
• Check out BASW's Jobs Board

Overseas qualified social workers looking to work in the UK

The United Kingdom is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Each of the four countries has its own social work regulator. To work as a social worker, you must be registered with the regulator in the country in which you wish to work.

First, check if your social work qualification meets the standards for registration with one of the four UK regulators. If you wish to apply to register, you’ll need to complete application forms, provide the relevant documentation and pay an application fee. The process of considering your application may take some time. If your application is rejected, you are unlikely to have your application funding returned – check the terms and conditions carefully before applying.

Once registered, if you do not already have a job with a sponsoring employer, there are various ways you can find social work jobs. Employers often advertise through social work publications, for example, Professional Social Work magazine, through the BASW jobs board website or through local authority websites. You may decide to use the assistance of a social work employment agency. These companies discuss your work experience and may be able to assist in securing either permanent or locum/temporary work in the UK. Most of these companies are ‘for profit’ and charge for this service.

• BASW Overseas Qualified Social Worker (OQSW) Programme.  BASW has launched a new programme of continuing professional development (CPD), created for social workers who have trained overseas and have now moved / are planning to move to work in the United Kingdom.

Home Office UK Border Agency is responsible for securing the UK border and controlling migration. It holds information on sponsoring migrants under the points-based system. If you are not a British Citizen or from the EU or EEA, you’ll most likely need to obtain a visa through sponsorship via an employer who is registered as sponsor.

Information updated May 2024 and may be subject to change.