BA (Hons) Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship

Our programme will enable learners to study for a degree whilst in paid employment
Social Worker
Course pending approval
If you have an enquiry about any of the apprenticeships at the University of Plymouth, please complete the below form.
Enquiry Form
You can also call us on +44 1752 583625.
Office hours are Monday–Friday, 08:30–16:30

How to apply

Please check back for open date of applications for September 2025.
For more information or to express your interest please complete our online enquiry form.
The potential apprentice will be required to complete an Initial Needs Analysis (INA) with the support of their employer and the University to ensure the Apprenticeship programme is an appropriate solution to their skills development needs. On completion of the INA the University will assess the information provided and determine the next steps.
Apprentices do not pay any course fees – costs are covered by the government and/or employer

Funding models for employers

We can support employers in accessing funding via the apprenticeship levy or provide alternative funding options to minimise or eradicate any up-front cost to the organisation.
There are currently two funding models:
  • Fully-funded: Levy paying organisations.
  • Co-funded: Non-levy organisations and levy who have exceeded their levy contribution.
Fully-funded
If the annual pay bill of your organisation exceeds £3 million you will pay for your apprenticeship training through your levy account. If you have exceeded your levy contribution you will fund apprenticeship training through the co-funded model – to better understand how this will work please contact us.
  • Employer contribution: Employee salary only.
  • Apprentices contribution: £0.
Co-funded
If you are a non-levy paying organisation (the annual pay bill of your organisation is less than £3 million) or you are a levy organisation who has exceeded their pot, the government will financially co-support your apprenticeship training – they will contribute 95 per cent of the costs and the employer will contribute 5 per cent.
  • Government contribution £22,800.
  • Employer contribution £1200.
  • Apprentice contribution £0.

Overview of modules

Year 1
Skills for Social Workers
Introduces you to skills relating to the social work role, professionalism and the different types of assessment you can expect. We will also prepare you for practice learning when you undertake 30 days' readiness for direct practice.
What is Social Work?
Gain theory and knowledge to address complex and challenging questions concerning the past, present and future of social work.
Stages of Life
Engage with concepts such as grief, trauma and loss, vulnerability, stress, resilience and coping. Understand the human life cycle, changing family structure and intergenerational issues in relation to the promotion of wellbeing.
Understanding the Social World
Understand the structural ways in which society is organised. Are humans destined to oppress one another? How do we each play our part in society and do we have free will?
Values and Behaviours
Discover philosophical concepts which underpin the development of values, attitudes and behaviours. Explore ethical dilemmas and value conflicts in practice situations.
Legal Literacy
Introduction to key contemporary legislation and policy underpinning social work practice. This module will also feature court-room simulation.
Year 2
Practice Learning 1
70 days of practice placement
Critical Social Work 1
Further development of skills and learning, relating to the social work role. Communication skills are explored in greater depth.
Social Work with Adults
Law and policy and how it mandates social work practice with adults. Specific focus is given to the impact of trauma and how it impacts on the wellbeing of adults.
Social Work with Children and Families
Law and policy and how it mandates social work practice with children and families. Specific focus is given to the impact of trauma and how it impacts on the development and wellbeing of children.

Year 3
Practice Learning 2
100 days of practice placement
Critical Social Work 2
Further development of skills and learning relating to the social work role. Risk assessment, defensible decision-making, concerned curiosity and professional scepticism are all examined in greater depth.
Dissertation
Apprentices will identify an area of social work practice that is pertinent to their current practice or to their professional development. They will identify the rationale for the choice of topic and develop a review of what constitutes evidence-informed practice in relation to that topic.

Assessment methods


The apprentice will be assessed through the completion of essays, presentations, simulated practice, and a dissertation. The apprentice will also complete a workbook in each stage of the programme to evidence their knowledge, skills, and behaviours in practice.
The apprentice will receive guidance and feedback from the academic team before and after each submission, which will help them develop their academic skills.
The End Point Assessment is integrated into the programme.

Programme summary

The Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship is an innovative programme developed in partnership between the University of Plymouth and employers. The curriculum enables apprentices to learn contemporary theories and skills while gaining hands-on experience, blending academic study with real-world practice. Designed with direct input from employers, the apprenticeship ensures that the curriculum aligns with industry needs, preparing apprentices to handle the complexities of social work.

Apprentices study a contemporary curriculum, designed to meet Social Work England standards (subject to approval in January 2025). Programme content goes beyond the requirements of the apprenticeship standard and incorporates current evidence-informed research, theory, legislation and policy, looking to the future of the social worker profession.

Who is the programme for?

The Social Worker Apprenticeship is suitable for those seeking a career in social care, health or education services, as well as the voluntary and private sector. It suits those already in this area of work or completely new to this and looking for a start or change of direction in their career.
Whether you are in the private or public sector, a small or large organisation, our degree apprenticeship will support your apprentice to become a qualified Social Worker who upon graduation will be eligible for registration with Social Work England (subject to approval).

Areas of specialism

  • @Develop knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of a registered social worker across children, families and adult provision.

  • @Inter-professional learning opportunities to deepen your understanding of your social work role in a multi-agency context.

  • @ Practice placements throughout the programme to gain real-world experience in diverse settings.

  • @Dedicated service user and carer group supporting your learning.

Social work students simulate home visit to service users.
Social Work Students in group session.
Social work students simulate home visit to service users.
Social Work students in the community
Social Work students in the community.Sara Rodrigues Francisco

Course facts

Duration: 3 years including EPA.
Study expectations: Minimum of 6 hours off-the-job learning per week, plus two on-site study days per semester.
Delivery type: Blended learning; a mix of ‘in person’ teaching and online learning.
Entry requirements:
  • GCSE English Grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2 English (or equivalent).
  • GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2 Maths (or equivalent).
Plus, one of the following:
  • A Level / AS Level: 104-120 UCAS points, excluding General Studies.
  • BTEC National Diploma / QCF Extended Diploma: DMM.
  • Pass a named Access to Higher Education Diploma with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction. To include 15 level 3 credits preferably in Science or a Social Science (Social Work, Social Care, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology).
  • T Levels: Pass at preferably M in Health, Science and Healthcare Science.
Other qualifications are also considered, contact us at apprenticeships@plymouth.ac.uk for more information.

Support

We pride ourselves on our friendly and supportive learning environment and are driven by our dedication to student-centred learning. Here are just a few of the support roles we have in place for the apprentice.
Personal Tutor will be allocated to the apprentice in each year, supporting the apprentice with academic and personal welfare support throughout the apprenticeship.
Placement Visiting Tutor / Academic Link Tutor is the conduit between the University and the workplace. They have an in-depth knowledge of the curriculum, will liaise with Workplace Supervisors, and support the apprentice with all aspects of their course.
Practice Educator will act as a link between the University and the employer. They will be responsible for conducting 12 weekly progress reviews, monitoring and tracking off the job training. In addition, as part of the reviews, the apprentice’s health, safety, and wellbeing will be discussed to ensure they are feeling supported and able to move forward.

Core skills

  • ?Effectively advocate for people needing social work support and for the profession.

  • ?Practice confidently as a social worker across a range of settings and with people facing different challenges in their lives.

  • ?Become a reflective, evidence-informed practitioner.

  • ?Demonstrate social work values and leadership skills.

Social work students simulate home visit to service users.

Benefits to the employer

  • Invest in your staff and develop your workforce.
  • Opportunities to apply for apprenticeships levy fund.
  • Address organisational skills gap.
  • Attract and retain new talent.
  • Create opportunities for staff development.

Benefits to the apprentice

  • Integrate academic study with work-based learning.
  • Experience university study while continuing to work and earn a wage.
  • Receive support from an employer who wants to invest in your future.
  • Have a university experience that recognises your work status.
  • Learn practical skills from experts who are highly effective practitioners.
Social Work Students in group session.

People