If you are already working and hope to qualify as a social worker whilst continuing to work, some options may be available. However, you must be aware that the specific entry requirements for a social work degree must still be met.
The majority of social work degrees are full time courses and all students have to complete 200 days (normally six to seven hours per day) of assessed practice. Although part time courses are available, the 200 days still have to be completed. So if you are currently working in an unrelated field, you may find it difficult to continue working more than a few hours per week while studying for your social work degree.
There are two ways you will be most likely to successfully combine a social work degree with working full-time:
- If you are already employed in an appropriate social care work role with a local authority or voluntary organisation, your employer may agree to sponsor you to study the social work degree following a period of employment with them. This sponsorship will include financial support or salary through the duration of the training.
- If this isn't possible, you may be able to apply for a specific sponsorship or trainee scheme with a local authority or voluntary organisation. These are usually advertised in Community Care magazine, the Guardian Society jobs supplement on Wednesdays or local papers and are generally aimed at graduates. The Government also provides a grant to support some candidates working in the not for profit sector.
