Social Work (MSW)

You must normally

• hold at least a first degree of 2.2 or above in a relevant subject, which includes psychology, sociology, social policy and public administration

or

• hold a professional qualification at degree level in areas such as teaching, nursing, occupational therapy, youth work or allied health/education professions

You also need to complete a personal statement to support your application. You do not need to confirm your research interests at this stage.

Professional requirements

You must meet the Department of Health (DoH) requirements for social work training, which state you must

• have the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be a social worker
• have Key Skills level 2 in English and Application of Number, or an equivalent qualification such as GCSE grade
• be able to make use of written materials and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English. If your first language is not English you must hold a British Council International English Language Testing Scheme (IELTS) qualification at Band 7.

If you do not have a suitable qualification in mathematics, Learn Direct offer on-line tests and support packages to assist with gaining a level 2 qualification in numeracy.

The GSCC state that you must

• have satisfactory criminal convictions checks
• have satisfied health checks by student self-declaration, GP statements and occupational health checks
• be of good character

Conditions for these checks comply with the GSCC Social Care Register as far as possible.

If you are an overseas student, you must have been granted permanent leave to remain in the UK. If you have spent time abroad, you must provide a certificate of conduct, which must cover the years not spent in the UK. This is necessary when you apply for the enhanced disclosure required to work in the health and social care sector.

Work Experience

You must demonstrate in your application, and at interview, an understanding of some of the challenges facing you as a social worker. This may include issues in social care or other areas including

• education
• health
• criminal justice
• childcare
• community or youth work.

You must have recent experience of working with service users and carers. This can be paid or voluntary work and we ask you to bring a reference to your interview.
If you have relevant life experience as a service user or carer this can be used to support your application. You should discuss this reflectively as part of your application form. Personal experience alone would not be sufficient for entry to the programme.

Disqualifications

In the interests of the protection of the public, all interviewed candidates must provide a declaration relating to previous criminal convictions, bindings over and cautions. No candidate will be admitted to the course if it appears that the seriousness of timing of convictions means that the practice learning agencies would be unwilling to offer placements.

Police checks are carried out by placement agencies prior to the first practice learning. Failure to declare convictions that subsequently come to light, or the acquisition of serious convictions after admission, may result in you being required to leave the course.

Candidates are also asked to make a declaration about any disciplinary proceedings in your past or present employment, or any investigations under the Children Act 1989 or previous relevant legislation.