Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work at The Open University

Programme overview

A work-based distance-learning route to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work for professionals advancing their careers; in England the programme is approved as a social work qualifying award.

Duration: 17 months part-time (12-15 hours a week on average, higher during practice-based periods). | Intake: October 2027 (next start shown on page) | Study mode: part-time distance learning | Location: Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

120 credits: Developing social work practice (K832) then Advancing social work practice (K833); the first must be passed before the second.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must have employer support (employer provides practice learning opportunities) and apply through the supporting employer in England. An honours degree with at least a 2:2 in any subject is required, plus a proven record of experience engaging directly with service users in a professional setting, normally at least 1 year. The application includes a personal statement, references and employer endorsement.

GBP 8,820 for the whole programme (2026/27). Total for the qualification at 2026/27 prices with England selected as location; paid one module at a time. Module materials, tuition, assessment and exams included; fee valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Source

Intake: October 2027 (next start shown on page)

Duration: 17 months part-time (12-15 hours a week on average, higher during practice-based periods).

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