About this Programme

The Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship is a rigorous and fast-track route to developing registered social workers, preparing apprentices for the challenging, complex and rewarding world of social work. 

The apprenticeship explores the role of social workers within the context of people, society and ethics, to develop confident social work professionals. It builds resilience, encourages problem-solving, and embeds a collaborative approach to improving peoples’ lives.

Apprentices will learn professional best practice as well as fresh academic perspectives, helping to drive social change and improve the lives of service users and carers.

To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact formYou can also get in touch by phone on 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday) or by email at apprenticeships-employer@mmu.ac.uk.

AAC Awards Winner Care Services Apprenticeship Provider of the Year
FE Week AAC Awards
Winner - Care Services Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2023
  • Programme content

    Apprentices will quickly develop the fundamental skills, knowledge and behaviours to register as a practicing social worker.  

    Year one
    • Social Work, Social Justice and Lived Experiences
    • Strengthening Relationships and Wellbeing
    • Society, Welfare and Global Inequalities
    • Ethical Practice for Professional Social Work
    Year two
    • Law, Rights and Safeguarding
    • Aspire 1: Knowledge and Skills in Practice
    • Journeys Through the Life-course
    • Critical Theory for Social Work Practice
    • Applied Skills and Methods for Social Work Practice
    Year three
    • Applied Social Research and Evaluation for Practice
    • Critical and International Perspectives in Social Work
    • Aspire 2: Applying Law, Safeguarding and Inter-Disciplinary Approaches in Practice
    • End-Point Assessment

    As part of the final assessment, apprentices will need to show advanced practice skills in assessment, analysis, planning, intervention, review and evaluation.

  • Programme length and approach

    The programme is taught part-time over two and a half years at our campus in central Manchester.

    Apprentices will be on campus a day a week in term-time for lectures, seminars and simulated practice.

    A university skills coach and a workplace mentor undertake regular progress reviews and support apprentices in their work and studies.

    Assessments have been developed with key stakeholders, including experts by experience, carers and employers. Assessment tasks can include case studies, exams, written work, presentations and work-based projects.

    Induction sessions help apprentices to get to know each other and balance undergraduate-level study with working full-time.

  • Qualifications awarded

    All successful graduates are awarded a BA (Hons) Social Work degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 apprenticeship qualification approved by Social Work England.

    Graduates can apply to become a registered social worker.

  • Entry requirements

    Applicants must be employed by a statutory or non-statutory agency that can provide the experience and support needed to train a fully qualified social worker.

    They must:

    • be 18 or older
    • have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
    • meet programme entry requirements

    Applicants should have a minimum of 112 UCAS points at A-level (grades BBC) or an equivalent.

    Applicants who do not meet these requirements will be individually assessed.

    Evidence of GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4), or equivalent, must be provided prior to application.

    A list of acceptable equivalent qualifications is available from the gov.uk website, as well as guidance on obtaining replacement certificates. It will not be possible for applicants to proceed with their application unless they are able to provide evidence of achievement or proof that they have applied for replacement certificates.

    The selection process will include a written test, role play and a panel interview. 

  • Funding

    Degree apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

    Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.

    Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship programme.

    Additional incentives are also available to employers who recruit new apprentices into their business.

    Find out more about funding.

  • Next steps

    If you are an employer

    We will support you every step of the way to offer apprenticeships at your organisation.

    To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact formYou can also get in touch by phone on 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday) or by email at apprenticeships-employer@mmu.ac.uk.

    If you are an employee

    If you are already employed by an agency that can provide the experience and support needed to train a fully qualified social worker, encourage your employer to contact us to discuss offering an apprenticeship.

    If you are a student

    Places on this programme are available to those already employed in a relevant position and where their employer will support them to take part.

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