Practice Learning Qualification - Social Services Graduate Certificate at Robert Gordon University

Programme overview

The Practice Learning Qualification - Social Services Graduate Certificate is offered at Robert Gordon University.

Faculty: School of Law and Social Sciences | Duration: 12 months part-time; 12 months part-time (online learning) | Study mode: part-time; part-time (online learning) | Intake: February; August | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The course will offer opportunities to revisit the social work theory base and gain fresh understanding around the role evidence-based practice has on practice and learning. A major component of the course is undertaking the role of Practice Educator for a social work student, therefore there is a strong emphasis on the role of reflective practice and how learning is facilitated with the social work student. During the social work placement of your learner, you will be supported and assessed by a Practice Mentor.

Career pathways

The Graduate Certificate Practice Learning Qualification can be a stepping stone to promoted post in social work as you can evidence your ability to assess, supervise and support adult learners.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You must be social work qualified with at least 2 years post-qualifying experience. You must also be in a position to offer a social work student a practice learning opportunity within your agency, either statutory or voluntary organisations. Your agency setting must be able to provide learning opportunities which will allow the social work student to meet a substantial proportion of the assessed outcomes as contained within the Standards in Social Work Education. Your employer must provide you with a named Practice Mentor and confirm that they are suitably qualified for this role. It is acknowledged that it may sometimes be necessary to negotiate learning opportunities for a student from another agency. We welcome applications from self-funding applicants wishing to practice as an independent PT. Please contact the course leader, Sheila Erskine to discuss this further. Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,290 a year (2026/2027). Scottish students, part time on campus, over 1 year Source

International applicants: GBP 1,290 a year (2026/2027). International students, part time on campus, over 1 year Source

Intake: February; August

Duration: 12 months part-time; 12 months part-time (online learning)

Apply through the official page: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/courses/graduate-certificate-practice-learning-qualification-social-services#apply

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