BA (Honours) Social Work (Wales)

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 (Wales) is approved by Social Care Wales (SCW), and successful completion entitles graduates to apply for registration as a social worker.

Our BA (Hons) Social Work (Wales) 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 (Wales):

• 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 or volunteering in social care in Wales who have the potential to take on greater challenges and responsibilities as qualified social workers.

The programme will equip students to work with individuals, families, carers, groups, communities and other professionals. 

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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The degree course is restricted to sponsored students or those who have applied through the Independent process. 

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

• Have a qualification in English or Welsh (equivalent to Grade C at GCSE or above)
• Show that they can communicate clearly in spoken and written English or Welsh.
• Demonstrate that they have the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be a social worker.
• Take part in an interview.
• Obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) with barred lists (children and adults) check and a medical check.

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The BA (Hons) Social Work (Wales) consists of a 360-credit degree programme comprising six modules.  The subject matter is interdisciplinary, derived from psychology, sociology, social policy, law and social work studies.

At Stage 1, students will begin with a module introducing health and social care followed by a module which explores the ideas and ways of working with people that underpin social work practice with a range of different service user groups. At Stage 2, students will study a module covering the law and social work before taking a practice module, which includes a 70-day placement. In Stage 3, students will choose one module from a choice of four and conclude their degree with a practice module where they will undertake another 100-day placement.

Our tutor-supported online learning gives your employees 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 learners 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.