BA (Honours) Social Work (Scotland) at The Open University

Programme overview

Honours degree in social work for practice in Scotland, studied in four stages of 120 credits. Online study is combined with a 10-day preparation for practice exercise in Stage 2 and two 90-day practice placements in Stages 3 and 4, leading to eligibility to apply for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council.

Duration: 4 years at full-time pace; 8 years part-time (maximum 10 years) | Study mode: part-time distance learning | Location: Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Stage 1: Introducing health and social care (K102) and You and your world: introducing the social sciences (D112). Stage 2: Supporting children and young people's wellbeing (KE207) and Foundations for social care and social work practice (K123). Stage 3: Applied social work practice (K246) and Social work law in action (K273). Stage 4: Exploring mental health (K347) or Investigating health and social care (K323), plus Critical thinking in social work practice (K355).

Career pathways

Qualified social worker in Scotland after registration with the SSSC.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Restricted to students with at least one year's experience in social care working alongside service users and carers in Scotland; at least 12 months' experience of working directly with service users and carers, verified through an employer reference. Applicants must hold SCQF level 5 grade C in English (or complete K102 or DD102 before registering) and SCQF level 5 grade C in Maths or equivalent (or pass an OU numeracy test). Sponsored and independent (non-sponsored) students may apply; all applicants undergo a selection process and must meet SSSC registration conditions. Independent students are invited to apply during or after the K123 module.

Duration: 4 years at full-time pace; 8 years part-time (maximum 10 years)

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