This programme is regulated by Social Work England and supports learning to meet professional standards on qualification via application of education and training standards.
The Social Worker apprenticeship standard was approved in 2018 and suits those ‘Working in partnership with adults, children, carers and families in a range of different settings to support and promote positive change in people's lives in order to improve their wellbeing and independence.’
Benefit of the Programme
At the University of Kent, we have an experienced team who can fully support you with a wealth of expertise in apprenticeships. Our award-winning blended learning approach allows your apprentices to thrive in the workplace while achieving a degree-level qualification.
Qualification
Upon successful completion, the apprentice will have achieved a BA (Hons) in Social Work.
Duration and Commitment
The duration of the SWDA is three years, plus 6 months for the apprentice to complete the end-point assessment.
This course offers a blended-delivery model. There is a 5-day online induction. This is followed by online learning using our virtual learning environment (VLE) on a platform called Moodle. Apprentices are expected to take 20% (equivalent to 1 day per week) as off-the-job training to complete the degree element of the apprenticeship using Moodle. In addition to this, apprentices are also expected to attend 5-day block teaching weeks in each trimester. This apprenticeship also includes placements, and apprentices will need to a 70+5-day placement in Year 2, and a 100+5-day placement in Year 3.
Entry Requirements
The eligibility criteria for apprentices joining the SWDA are as follows:
- Must have English Language GCSE at grade 4 (or equivalent) before commencing the course (candidates must be able to evidence this with certificates)
- GCSE Maths at grade 4 is preferred but can be sat alongside the degree if needed
- Applicants are also required to have 120 UCAS points which is A-levels at grades BBB; or International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points overall or 15 points at higher level; or BTEC National Dip NQF/ Extended Dip QCF at DMM; or Access to HE Diploma with at least 75% of level 3 credits at merit.
- For those who do not have the equivalent UCAS points, they can still apply and will be asked to sit an assessment as part of the application process.
- All apprentices must have been living in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.
Modules
Year 1
- Readiness for Direct Practice
- What is Social Work?
- Values, Ethics & Diversity
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Social Policy & Social Problems
- Social Work Theories, Intervention & Skills
- Sociological Perspectives for Social Work
- Law, Rights & Justice
- Lifespan Development
Year 2
- Social Worker with Children and Families
- Social Work with Adults
- Making Sense of Mental Health
- Social Work in Multi-Agency Context
- Advanced Interventions
- Assessed Work-Based Activity 1
Year 3
- Critical & Reflective Practice
- Research for Social Work Practices
- Assessed Work-Based Activity 2
- End Point Assessment (EPA)
Fees and Funding
The cost of the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship (SWDA) is £24,000. This can be paid from the Apprenticeship Levy or by Government Co-investment. Other costs to consider that are not covered by the Levy or Co-investment include travel to the block teaching weeks and the cost of a Practice Educator to support the apprentice while on placement.
Start Dates
Apprentices can start in September or March. Please contact us to find out cut-off dates for applications.
Employers and Employees
Our team are there to offer support with developing apprenticeships in your organisation, be it upskilling existing employees or recruiting for new roles.
Contact us by emailing recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk or by calling 01634 888467 (9:30am - 4pm Monday to Friday).
Students and Prospective Apprentices
Apprenticeships are available to those already employed in a relevant position and require the support of an employer to take part. If you are not already employed in a relevant role, please visit our please visit our Becoming an Apprentice page.
Having a uniquely immersive way to develop knowledge and skills whilst undertaking the required academic study to become social workers provides another route for people who aren’t in a position to take time out to do a full-time degree.