The Social Worker Integrated Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Derby is a comprehensive programme designed to prepare apprentices for a career in social work. This apprenticeship combines academic study with practical experience, enabling apprentices to develop the necessary skills to work effectively with children, families, young people, and adults across various settings, including:
The Social Worker Integrated Degree Apprenticeship encompasses a wide range of areas within social work, allowing practitioners to address diverse challenges and populations. Key fields include child welfare and protection, safeguarding children from abuse and neglect; mental health, focusing on the psychological well-being of individuals; and substance abuse, supporting those struggling with addiction. Additionally, social workers engage in community development to improve social conditions, work with the elderly and provide support in healthcare settings. Other areas include school social work, which addresses student issues, family therapy to enhance family dynamics, and criminal justice for rehabilitation and victim support. Furthermore, international social work tackles global issues, whilst disability services advocate for individuals with disabilities, and youth work promotes the development of young people. This broad spectrum highlights the important role social workers play in advocating for social justice and facilitating positive change in individuals and communities.
Upon successful completion, apprentices will earn a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Social Work, qualifying them for registration with Social Work England as a registered social worker. This registration is essential for practicing in the field and ensures compliance with SWE professional standards.
The apprenticeship is structured over three years and ten modules in the following phases:
Year 1: Certificate in Higher Education in Social Care Studies (120 credits)
Modules:
- Human Development in Society (40 credits): Explores theories of human development and their application in social work practice, focusing on significant life transitions and the impact of social issues
- Understanding Intersectionality (20 credits): Examines the complexities of identity and how various factors such as race, gender, and socio-economic status influence individual experiences
- Preparation for Social Work Practice (20 credits): Prepares apprentices for their first practice placement, emphasising essential skills and values
- Social Work Law and Policy (40 credits): Covers the legal frameworks and policies that govern social work practice, including their implications for service delivery.
Year 2: Diploma of Higher Education in Social Care Studies (120 credits)
Modules:
- Research and Trauma-Informed Practice (20 credits): Focuses on trauma-informed approaches and evidence-based research methods in social work.
- Safeguarding Interventions and Approaches (40 credits): Investigates safeguarding practices and the dynamics of family life, emphasising the “toxic trio” of domestic abuse, substance misuse, and mental health issues.
- Apprentice Placement Learning 1 (40 credits): Provides 80 days of practical experience in a social work setting, supervised by a qualified Practice Educator, and adhering to the BASW British Association of Social Workers professional capabilities framework.
- Safeguarding Children, Families, and Adults (20 credits): Addresses contemporary safeguarding practices and legal frameworks.
Year 3: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Social Work (120 credits)
Modules:
- Independent Study (60 credits): Allows apprentices to explore contemporary social work issues through independent research.
- Apprentice Placement Learning 2 (60 credits): Offers a 90-day placement to further develop practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings and adhere to the BASW British Association of Social Workers professional capabilities framework.
Assessment
- Assessment methods are designed to ensure that apprentices meet the standards set by Social Work England. Key components include:
- The Social Worker Integrated Degree Apprenticeship program employs a comprehensive assessment framework designed to evaluate apprentices’ progress and competencies throughout their training.
- Assessments include formative assessments, such as in-class quizzes and peer feedback sessions, which provide ongoing feedback to support learning.
- Summative assessments occur at the end of modules and include final case studies, essays, and practical evaluations that contribute to the final grade.
- Practical experience is emphasised through workplace assessments, where apprentices complete placements under the supervision of qualified Practice Educators, documenting their learning in portfolios.
- The End-Point Assessment (EPA) serves as a final evaluation, beginning with a gateway review to ensure readiness before the examination board assesses overall competency. Regular progress reviews involving personal academic tutors and workplace mentors help track apprentices’ development, ensuring they integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application. This multifaceted approach prepares apprentices for the complexities of social work, fostering both their professional skills and personal growth.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the SWDA programme are well-prepared for various roles in social work, including child protection, mental health, and youth justice. The program also provides pathways to higher qualifications and continuous professional development, ensuring graduates remain up to date with best practices and emerging trends in the field.
Stakeholder Collaboration
The programme has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including local councils, NHS partnerships, various social care organisations and people with lived experiences. This collaborative approach ensures the curriculum aligns with industry standards and practical demands, preparing apprentices effectively for their future careers.
Additional Features
- Professional Accreditation: Aligns with Social Work England standards, ensuring eligibility for registration as a social worker
- Interdisciplinary Integration: Joint teaching fosters a comprehensive understanding of social issues
- Ethical Principles: Emphasis is on anti-oppressive practice and inclusivity
- Placement Integration: Practical placements within social work teams to provide hands-on experience
- Personal Development: Focuses on developing key transferable skills, accountability and professionalism beyond graduation for the duration of your career.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Gain practical, hands-on experience in our real-world learning facilities such as our crown court, custody suite and crime scene house.
Entry into the Social Worker Integrated Degree Apprenticeship is conducted in collaboration with employers within the field of social care.
Prospective apprentices must:
- Hold a paid position within a relevant social care organisation
- Demonstrate understanding of the social worker’s role and current social work issues
- Hold GCSE grades 9-4/A*-C/Functional/Key Skills level 2 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent certification (where this is not provided applications will be supported to complete this during the degree programme)
- Demonstrate proficiency in using various IT facilities, including email, internet, and word processing.
You will then progress to:
- Complete an Initial Skill Scan (Learning Needs) assessment
- Complete a personal statement required for the UoD application process and to provide/confirm the relevant information and certifications
- The interview stage comprises an individual written task, a group exercise, and a face-to-face interview.
The cost will be paid for by the employer. The cost of the apprenticeship will normally be in line with the Levy Band of £24,000, but individual agreements will be considered depending on student numbers and the involvement of employers.
Apprentices will need to apply through their employer.
Employers can find out more by contacting the Apprenticeships Hub. Please see the contact information below.
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