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.

2 students and a child chatting.
A group of social workers sat in a circle discussing a case.
A group of ladies smiling

The apprenticeship is structured over three years and ten modules in the following phases:

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.

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 trilogy 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.

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 methods are designed to ensure that apprentices meet the standards set by Social Work England. Key components include:
  • The Social Worker Integrated Degree Apprenticeship programme 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 meeting to assess 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.