Course Summary
The OU offers a work-based distance learning route to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, designed for working professionals. Our PGDip in Social Work (England) is approved by Social Work England (SWE).
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
For information on entry requirements go to:
https://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/e85
How to apply
Further information and details on how to apply are available from the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care website.
Application Details
How to apply
Further information and details on how to apply are available from the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care website.
See Course Web Page link for next start date.
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
On successful completion of the diploma, you will become eligible to apply for registration as a qualified social worker in England. This is a broad qualification spanning children and families, adults and mental health social work and prepares you to work in a range of settings including local authorities, healthcare providers and the private, voluntary and independent sector.
Duration
How long it takes
Most students study the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work part-time, finishing the qualification in 17 months by successfully completing the modules K832 and K833 in sequence.
The average study time per week is likely to be 12–15 hours but will be considerably higher during periods of practice-based learning when you will typically be required to attend the placement setting four days per week for up to 25 weeks at a time.
Geographical availability
The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work is available for study in England and Scotland. It is approved as a social work qualifying award in England by Social Work England (SWE). It has been approved as a social work qualifying award in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
This qualification is not currently available for students working in Wales.