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Getting Started Student

If you're interested in exploring a career in social work or volunteering (which is often required for acceptance onto degree courses), use this section to discover the next steps available to you.

Choose and click the area you are interested in exploring from below:

-Social Work
-Volunteering

Student

Click the option below which best describes your current situation.

If you are finishing further education and have, or soon will have A levels or equivalent vocational qualifications, you can apply to universities and colleges that offer the 3-year degree course. As well as your advanced qualifications, most universities will expect you to have 5 GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications, including maths and English. They will also expect you to have some relevant social care experience. The exact requirements vary so you will need to check each university’s entry requirements before applying.  Universities and colleges throughout the country offer the programme and application is through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service)

Next steps

  • Consult the Course Finder for a full list of universities and colleges that offer social work programmes.

  • Do you have any questions? Try our Q&A section.
  • See our feature for information on how to apply, writing your personal statement, interview preparation and bursary rates. 
  • Use our Links section to access social work and social care organisations.
  • And don't forget to check out the Volunteering section.

Back to Getting Started: Social Work