Training to be a Social Worker
The Honours Degree in Social Work (the Degree) is the recognised professional qualification for all social workers throughout the UK, as well as for Probation Officers and Education Welfare Officers in Northern Ireland and Criminal Justice Social Workers in Scotland.
All social work students in NI must be registered with the NISCC on starting their course. More information is available in the booklet Hons Degree in SW – Advice for Applicants below. Following successful completion of the Degree in Social Work, graduates entering social work employment in Northern Ireland are required to complete an Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) as part of continuing social work registration. During this year all newly qualified social workers will be supervised by a registered social worker.
In Northern Ireland the Degree is normally a three-year full time course. Some graduates with a relevant degree may complete the degree over two years full-time via an accelerated route. The Degree is offered at six educational institutions in NI. Contact details for the courses in NI are available in the Approved Social Work Training section. Details of financial assistance for students is available in Fees and Financial Assistance.
Entry requirements are usually 3 A-levels in any subject (usually grades ‘BBB’ or above) and GCSE Maths and English (minimum of grade C). Equivalent qualifications such as Access courses or HNDs will normally be accepted. Applicants will also be infoerviewed to assess their potential to train to be a social worker at degree level. While it is not essential, having some relevant experience will allow you an opportunity to find out if social work is the right career choice for you. It will also give you some practical situations to help illustrate poinfos in your application and subsequent infoerview. All applications for the Degree are made through the UCAS system (www.ucas.com). Applications are taken from mid-September to early January and can be made on line.
Booklets with more information about the Degree, gaining experience, applying to courses and registering with NISCC as a social work student are available to download below. You can also request a copy from the info@nisocialcarecouncil.org.uk (Tel 028 9041 7600).
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