Social Worker
Our inter-professional and collaborative degree apprenticeship develops resilient, knowledgeable and compassionate social workers, who will achieve registration with Social Work England.
Employers and Apprentices Information
Employers
- Fast and rigorous route to developing registered social workers, backed by Social Work England
- Equip staff already making a real difference with the skills and qualifications needed to take on greater challenges as registered social workers
- Build resilience, encourage problem solving and embed a collaborative approach to improving people’s lives
Our employers say
“We wanted to offer our social care practitioners the chance to access social work training alongside practice development opportunities. The Social Work Degree Apprenticeship at Manchester Met has enabled us to provide a career structure into social work embracing the ‘Grow your own’ culture and ethos,” says Lisa Cassidy of Bolton Council.
Apprentices
- Develop a deeper understanding of how society functions and the opportunities for improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable people
- Gain the skills and understanding needed to successfully advocate for the vulnerable and stand up for social justice
- Programme is taught from the Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care in the state-of-the-art £139m Brooks building
Our apprentices say
“The experience and knowledge I’ve gained through the degree apprenticeship have given me so much confidence. Thanks to the apprenticeship I was able to be an ambassador, attend the BASW conference, write an article, record a podcast with Social Work Sorted, and set up the national peer support group, which can only benefit my role as a future Social Worker,” says Stacy Procter of Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council.
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 form. You 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.
We continue to work hard to drive the creation of new degree apprenticeship standards and programmes.
Delivery of this programme at a Level 7 (PgDip) is currently in development. Subject to final approval from Social Work England, it is expected to be open for applications later in 2024, with the first cohort starting March 2025.
In the meantime, if you would like to be kept informed about the launch date and programme details, please contact us at apprenticeships@mmu.ac.uk.
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Programme content - BA (Hons) (30 months)
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.
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Programme content - PgDip (18 months)
Apprentices will quickly develop the fundamental skills, knowledge and behaviours to register as a practising social worker.
Unit one
Professional Social Work Practice
Unit two
Assessment, Complexity and Risk
Unit three
Law, Rights and Safeguarding
Unit four
Evidence-Informed Practice
As part of the final assessment, apprentices will need to show advanced practice skills in assessment, analysis, planning, intervention, review and evaluation.
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Programme length and approach
The programme is taught part-time at our campus in central Manchester. Delivered over either 18 months for the PgDip or 30 months for the BA (Hons).
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.
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Qualifications awarded
All successful graduates are awarded a BA (Hons) or PgDip 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.
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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
All applicants are individually assessed for suitability.
The University selection process will include a written test, and may include a panel interview, and other relevant activities.
For the PgDip route all applicants must have an existing degree in any subject at at least a 2:2 grade.
Evidence of GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4), or equivalent, must be provided prior to application to the PgDip route.
Applicants to the BA (Hons) route who do not hold the necessary qualifications will be assessed for suitability to undertake functional skills alongside the apprenticeship. .
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.
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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.
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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 form. You 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.
