BA (Honours) Social Work (Scotland)

Social workers support and protect some of society’s most deprived and vulnerable people. It’s immensely challenging and rewarding work, requiring a high level of motivation and commitment. The Open University’s BA (Hons) Social Work (Scotland) is approved by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), and successful completion entitles graduates to apply for registration as a social worker working in children's, adult or justice services.

Our BA (Hons) Social Work (Scotland) is a practice-based learning programme that combines on- and off-the-job learning and development, delivered flexibly around the demands of your workplace. Through completion of this qualification, students will earn a professionally qualifying degree in Social Work and gain practice experience with evidence of assessed competency in the workplace, including new skills and knowledge preparing them to take on more demanding roles within social care delivery.

For employers, the programme provides the opportunity to upskill, develop and retain current staff. Because students study alongside work, they will put their learning into practice immediately, for the positive benefit of service users.

The BA (Hons) Social Work (Scotland):

• Enables you to develop your workforce according to an employer-defined standard.
• Helps to increase staff retention by offering career progression opportunities.
• Is delivered flexibly around the demands of your organisation, using our tutor-supported, media-rich online learning methods.
• Is accessible 24/7 and can be delivered to various locations using our tried-and-trusted educational technology, providing a consistent programme for multiple staff, regardless of where they are based and when they study.
• Is based on over 20 years’ successful experience of working in partnership with employers to deliver a practice-based, qualifying social work programme, working with around 300 health and social care employers across the UK and training over 6,000 registered social workers.

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The programme is suitable for individuals working in a social care agency in Scotland and who have the potential to take on greater challenges and responsibilities as qualified social workers.

It will support the development of social workers working in children's, adult or justice services. The programme will equip students to work with professionals from other organisations, such as the police, healthcare organisations, schools and courts. 

Many students receive credit transfer for study completed elsewhere, enabling them to start this programme at Stage 2. However, some may need to complete additional modules at Stage 1.

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This degree course is restricted to students working directly with service users and carers in social care in Scotland.

All BA (Hons) Social Work (Scotland) applicants must:

• Have qualifications in English and Maths at the level of Standard Grade Two. 
• The English requirement can be met by one of our stage 1 modules and the OU has an approved numeracy test that can meet the maths requirement.
• Show that they can communicate clearly in spoken and written English.
• Demonstrate that they have the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be social workers.
• Take part in a selection process including an interview.
• Register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a student social worker – this includes a Disclosure Scotland check.

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The BA (Hons) Social Work (Scotland) consists of four stages, each comprising 120 credits.  Students will begin Stage 1 with two introductory modules – one with a focus on health and social care and one with a focus in the social sciences. Next, in Stage 2, students will study a module on childcare and protection followed by a practice-based module. Stage 3 consists of a module on law and social work, followed by a practice-based module where students will undertake a 100-day placement. Finally, in Stage 4, students will study either a module with a focus on investigating health and social care or mental health and complete their degree with another 100-day social work practice placement.

Students will need to be released from their substantive post to undertake the two 100-day placements. In exceptional circumstances, placements within the work setting can be considered but will require the approval of the OU Social Work Team in Scotland.

Our tutor-supported online learning gives you the flexibility to pick the most suitable times, proactively and reactively, to minimise disruption to service provision. This means students are rarely required to be on day release at the same time and frontline services are protected. It also means travel costs and expenses are minimised.

Online module delivery is both varied and interactive, using rich media formats that engage and enthuse learners on their journey. Learning is perfectly suited to staff working shifts, as it can be accessed 24/7 on computers, tablets and mobile devices, and can be immediately applied into working practice. Online forums and discussion groups allow students to learn from others in different service settings and with different backgrounds.

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The Open University has the experience and support in place to help students succeed and make a positive impact on practice.

The OU will deploy expert staff to support your organisation and your learners. They will work collaboratively with the relevant roles in your organisation.