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• Parenting, childcare and children's services
• Safeguarding and social care for children
• Children's social care providers
• Becoming a children's social care provider

Step up to social work

Applications for the 2024 programme have now closed.

Applies to England

Applications for the 2024 programme have now closed. We’ll update this page with details about the next programme, when it’s available. Use Explore Careers for information on how to become a social worker.

Step up to social work is an intensive, 14-month, full-time programme. If you want to become a social worker but do not have a degree in social work, you can train through this programme.

What you’ll need to apply

To apply to the programme, you’ll need to have:

• a minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree qualification (level 6)
• 6 months’ full-time (or equivalent) direct experience, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families, carers or vulnerable adults
• GCSEs in English or English language and mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above (or an approved equivalent)

You must have completed your degree programme before applying. Final year students are not eligible to apply.

Training and funding

If your application is successful, you will:

• train through a combination of academic study and hands on social work experience in a local authority
• receive a bursary of £19,833 to support you during your training

What you’ll get when you qualify

Once you successfully complete the programme, you will qualify with a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work. This will allow you to apply to register with Social Work England as a qualified social worker.

'Step up to social work' has been updated to show that applications are now open and to include a link to the applications.

First published.

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Step Up to Social Work is an intensive full-time, fully funded, Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work training programme that allows you to become a qualified social worker in just 14 months . 

We are looking for people who are committed to making a difference for disadvantaged children and families.  You need to have a willingness to learn, be emotionally resilient and be able to undertake this challenging yet hugely rewarding academic degree programme.

This is a Department for Education nationally funded programme delivered by partnerships across the country. There are two partnerships within this region – Yorkshire and Humberside Partnership, and West and North Yorkshire Partnership.

Leeds Council is the lead partner for the West and North Yorkshire Partnership, which also includes Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, North Yorkshire, Calderdale and Kirklees local authorities.

Sheffield City Council is the lead partner for the Yorkshire and Humberside Partnership, which is one of the largest in the country and includes Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley, East Riding, Hull, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, and York.

Hundreds of trainees have qualified through Step Up to Social Work in this region and have gained employment as children and families social workers over the last 10 years. The employment rate for Step Up alumni in our region is extremely high – often, everyone who applies for a job after completing the course is successful!

This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, as the DfE provides funding via a tax free bursary payment of £19,833 and payment of University fees to successful applicants.  Childcare costs are not funded by this programme. This will allow you to change or start a new career in social work and be able to continue to pay your bills and fund your living costs while you are studying.  The programme only runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you’re interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply!

Applications for Cohort 8 are now closed - best of luck to everyone who applied! Interviews will take place in June/July 2023 and this cohort will start in January 2024 and finish March 2025.

Step Up to Social Work entry criteria

This is a Postgraduate Social work degree programme, so you will need either a BA or BSc Honours degree with a minimum 2:1 classification. Your degree doesn’t have to be in a related setting.

You will also have to have GCSE in Maths and English grade A-C (or equivalent) and you will need to have your qualification certificates to send us prior to any interview that is offered. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online . It may take a month to get your replaced certificates so apply for them well in advance of any interviews as you will not be able to attend an interview without them.

You will also need to evidence significant experience of either working or substantial volunteering with vulnerable children and families, and/or vulnerable adults.

We are particularly interested in applications from men and people from ethnic minority communities, as these groups are under-represented in this area of social work.

The Step Up to Social Work programme is also a great way for people wanting to change their career to fast-track into social work. People with life and work experience often embrace life as a social worker very quickly.

Your 14-month programme will fly by very quickly, and if your local authority has vacancies, you will be guaranteed an interview for a social worker job in children and families statutory social work. The starting salary for a social worker in most authorities in this region is around £30k per year.

Check out our case studies to learn more about what our Children’s Social Workers have to say who have  completed the training and watch our new videos of those who have completed the Step up to Social work programme.

Studying through Step Up to Social Work

We spoke to Lewis, who is now a Senior Fieldwork Manager, leading a team of 6 qualified social workers in Sheffield after completing the Step Up to Social Work course, to find out what attracted him to the programme and what the application process was like from a student’s perspective.

The bursary is one of the major benefits of this route into social work, but the placement opportunities were also a highlight of the course for Lewis. 

With a guaranteed interview for any relevant vacancies in your authority, this course has a very high rate of employment, but getting the most out of the course also prepares you well for career progression in your new field.

Children’s social work can be challenging, but making a difference to children and young people’s lives also makes it hugely rewarding as a profession.

Applying to Step Up to Social Work

Applications for the next Step Up to Social Work cohort have now closed.  Those who are shortlisted for interview will be invited to an assessment centre which will be held in June/July and following success, applicants will be offered a trainee contract to start the degree programme in January 2024.

Frequently asked questions about Step up to social work

You may apply and your host authority will make reasonable adjustments for you however you must recognise that this is a very intensive programme with approximately 30 days holiday (excluding bank holidays). The bursary payment is not extended beyond the 14 months and placements cannot be altered or extended. You will need plenty of family support and will have to travel and work in a frontline setting whilst on placement. Each placement day is at least 7 hours.

If you are resigning from employment then you must think very carefully before you agree to sign a contract for this programme as you will be giving up your maternity rights under your employer’s terms and conditions.

In addition to academic qualifications and experience, you should also make sure that you are able to demonstrate the following skills and knowledge:

Emotional resilience, the ability to cope with and adapt to the emotional impact of helping children and young people who are often in very stressful situations

A solid understanding of current social work theory and research

You should be aware of the risk indicators of different types of harm in children and young people

You need to show that you are able to think intuitively and logically to make decisions

Good, accurate report writing is a key skill for the job

Understand the Knowledge and Skills Statement (KSS) for child and family social workers. This is the standard of good practice used to assess applicants, so it’s important to familiarise yourself.

You should also show understanding of the entry-level Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) for social workers and be able to complete your application form with these in mind.

Have an awareness of the Social Work England Professional Standards.

You can find these statements and frameworks and more information on the British Association of Social Work site   

As mentioned above, this programme is highly intensive and different holidays cannot be arranged outside of the programme. You may wish to delay your application for the next cohort should there be another one. 

If you have met the required benchmark at the assessment centre tests, then your name will go on a waiting list and you may be offered a place in another authority or in another partnership which may be in another part of the country.

You should consider this offer very carefully as you may need to relocate and this will have an impact on your finances as there is no additional funding for relocation.

You are strongly advised to work out your finances carefully before accepting any place offered.

You will be given a copy of the reading list as part of the keeping in touch events prior to the start of the programme.

Trainee contracts are typically sent out in October. This gives you plenty of time to work out your finances and decide whether to accept the offer. You are advised to consider your finances very carefully including any travel costs and any reduction in benefits that may apply. 

Assessment centres will take place in June or July 2023 for the Cohort of students who will start their degree in January 2024.  This may take place face-to-face however some local authorities may wish to interview virtually.

You should expect to attend an assessment centre for at least 4 hours.

The written exercise will be administrated by the DfE support contractor which is Capita.  They will be in touch with you to complete your written exercise separately to the assessment centre.

There will be a formal panel interview with a manager from your preferred authority and a university representative and this will last 30 minutes.

There will be other assessment tasks including a group exercise with foster carers and young people and a practice scenario. Your answers will be assessed against the entry criteria of the PCF .

All exercises will be marked against the PCF so you need to be knowledgeable and evidence your current experience around these domains.  The PCF can be viewed on the BASW site.

No, if you are offered a place on Step Up to Social Work following the Assessment Centre you will be required to resign from your current job by the time the programme starts in January 2024 as your status changes to being a student.

The ethos of the course is for people who wish to change their careers and become children and families social workers.

You must be sure that you are willing to do this, as you will lose your continuous service if you are employed by a public sector organisation (such as a local authority). This will mean that your service will start afresh should you join a local authority as a social worker.

Most local authorities now run social work apprenticeship 3-year BA in social work degree programmes for their existing staff, so if you are in doubt about your losing your employment rights then you should seek advice from your local authority about this route into social work. 

No, it is not possible to guarantee you a job but the Local Authorities within the Regional Partnerships will offer a guaranteed interview to Step Up to Social Work candidates and we will let you know when vacancies arise within the last 3 months of your course.

We will offer all students the opportunity to attend an employability workshop which will give you guidance on how to complete an application form and interview tips.

The employability rate for Step Up to Social Work students is currently 99% in this region.

If you are offered a job during the course, you won’t be able to start working until after the end of the course and the final bursary payment. As there will be a gap between you completing your degree and you gaining your SWE registration then the majority of local authorities will offer you an opportunity to work as a support worker pending you qualifying and gaining registration.  This will support you financially and help you gain organisational knowledge.

We will arrange for those who have been offered a place to meet other students across the region in Autumn 2023 at our Keeping in Touch Day event. This day will give you the opportunity to find out more about the programme and meet practice educators to ask more about placements.  It is your responsibility to find out about any loss of benefits whilst you are on the course.  If you are in receipt of child credit/Universal credit/free childcare places you must find out how accepting this course will affect these by contacting your citizens advice bureau or benefits advice centre etc.

If you have any health-related questions or are worried about anything, there will be an opportunity to talk to the university lecturers or local authority reps about this.

We will also invite speakers and have fun activities for you to bond with each other. We will pay your travel expenses to attend the day; please keep any train tickets to make your claim.

As many people will still be in employment, they may not be able to attend this day. You may want to take annual leave as it is a very informative day.

We will also run remote drop-in sessions and provide a suggested reading list and information to keep you informed until you start your programme in January.

There is a tax free bursary payment of £19,833 (£1,416 per month) in total for the 14 months. Your course will end mid-March 2025 so you will have to plan your finances carefully as your last bursary payment will be in February 2025.

Your tuition fees will be paid by the DfE if you live in England at the time of your studies . If you do not, then your fees will not be paid – you can still apply but would have to pay your own fees.

Payment will be made directly into your bank account and will be tax free .

Course fees will be paid directly to the University provider as the DfE are also funding your fees.

Depending on the Local Authority you train with, this payment will be made around the 30 th  or 16 th  of the month, so you might need to change any existing direct debits to plan around this.

Your first payment will be around 30 th  January and therefore you should ensure you have enough money to pay for your travel/expenses to University from early January.

Some students car share to save on travel expenses. You will receive a student card from the University which will allow you to apply for discounted train travel as well as many other student discounts and a reduction in council tax.

The Yorkshire and Humber regional partnership have contracted with a University who delivers the programme using a hybrid model of online and face to face teaching. There will be on 12 face to face teaching days throughout the programme.  You will attend University one day a week whilst you are on placement to promote the application of theory into practice.

Each successful student will receive a laptop in order to be able to study remotely. The laptop will need to be returned to the University if you withdraw or fail the programme.  

Make an initial application online  and ensure that you have completed all the sections on the application form especially providing information about having significant experience of working or volunteering with vulnerable children and families for a period of at least 6 months.

You will need to have a copy of your degree qualification certificate and your GCSE in Maths and English grades A-C or equivalent at the time of applying. These documents will be needed by the university provider should you be offered a place, and you will not be able to be interviewed without a copy.   If you cannot find your Maths and English GCSE’s or equivalent (e.g. level 2 functional skills) then you should apply for copies now to ensure they arrive in good time.

Public transport is difficult in some regional areas and therefore you may need to provide us with your driving licence details.

If selected, you will be asked to attend an assessment centre. During the pandemic, the assessment centre may be virtual.  We will let you know whether it will be virtual or face to face if you are shortlisted for interview.

The key assessment process components will involve:

A formal interview with a course academic member of staff and a social work manager

Role play or group exercise

A short interview with people with lived experience

A written exercise

Visit the  Gov.uk site to start your application.  

This means you would have to move home to be able to undertake the placements in the host authority. This can be expensive and you should work out your finances carefully before accepting an authority which means you have to temporarily relocate.

You will not be offered any additional monies to relocate or to travel further. These additional costs must all be calculated within your bursary payment.

Step Up to Social Work is a pre-qualifying social work programme developed through a partnership between the local authorities (LA) within the Yorkshire and Humberside Region and the contracted University provider. It is an intensive 14-month programme that starts in January and leads to a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work and will enable you to apply to register with Social Work England. It covers the same curriculum as other pre-qualifying social work programmes but in a shorter timescale. Therefore, you can expect it to be a more intensive and emotionally demanding learning experience.

Students will have a trainee contract with a host Local Authority and two contrasting placements will be provided by the Local Authority with the final placement guaranteed in a statutory children and families setting.

In order to be eligible, you need:

An honours degree qualification (such as a BA or BSc) at 2:2 or above in any subject area

You must also have a GCSE in Maths and English grade A-C or equivalent and be able to produce the certificates at the time of applying.  Should the assessment centre take place on a face-to-face basis, you will be asked to bring the original certificates for these and your degree with you.

We won’t be able to interview you without these certificates so don’t be offended if we turn you away.  You must also have at least 6 months experience of working with adults or vulnerable children and families either in a work capacity or substantial voluntary capacity.

You must be able to upload your certificates with your application form and produce the originals on the assessment centre day, otherwise we will not be able to interview you.

If you cannot find your certificates, there are a number of internet sites to help you, but please bear in mind the time it takes to order new copies (4 weeks) as the closing date for applications is March 2023. Unfortunately, we are unable to process your application if you do not have these certificates. 

Non-British EU nationals would only be eligible to apply if they have been a resident in the EU for 3 or more years unless they have the appropriate study visa. All other non-British applicants must have been granted the right to remain/work in the UK (and provide passport details for checks) or otherwise have the appropriate study visa. This will be checked at the application form stage as settlement status rules may apply.

The regional partnership administrator will send you a letter/email to notify you that you have been shortlisted to attend the assessment centre.

If you are unable to attend on the date allocated to you we may be able to offer an alternative date dependent on availability of interview panels.

If you change your mind and are unable to attend then we ask you to let us know at least 24 hours prior to the interview so that we can change our timetables.

As long as you have an Honours degree with either a 1st or 2:1 degree classification (level 6) or a 2:2 classification then you can apply.

You must have copies of your certificates to bring to the assessment centre or email directly otherwise we will not be able to interview you. You will be advised nearer the time of the assessment of whether to send these online or bring them in person.

In addition to higher education, applicants must also:

Have GCSEs in English Language and Maths (or equivalent) at a C grade or better

Have relevant experience (voluntary or paid) working with adults and/or vulnerable children, young people or families for at least 6 months

Live in England

Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until March 2025)

Not already have a social work qualification

Unfortunately, because the DfE have agreed funding for this cohort of Step Up to Social Work, but not any future cohorts as yet, you cannot defer your place, as we have no guarantee that a further Step Up programme will be funded.

We won’t place you in a team where you were previously employed. This would be a potential conflict of interest, and we want you to be able to experience as wide a range of settings as possible to get the most out of the course.

No, the bursary payment covers travel costs as well as all your other expenses. Some Local Authorities cover a wide geographical area and you will need to be a car driver to travel around on your placements. There is no additional payment for travel expenses on your placement.

The Yorkshire and Humberside partnership university provider will teach remotely but with a base in Sheffield and the Humber region.

The programme starts at the beginning of January and the enrolment process will be completed online.

You can expect to receive face-to-face teaching for up to 12 days during the programme period. The teaching day is 10am to 4pm and takes place in Sheffield.  The remainder of the course is taught virtually but placements are face to face on worksites in host authorities.   Most local authorities are now back to working face-to-face with children and families.

A full programme and calendar of events will be given to you prior to the start of the course.

There are two periods of assessed practice:

The first placement will be for 70 days and the university calendar will show when this starts.

The second and final placement will be for 100 days.

Manchester Metropolitan University are the provider for the Yorkshire and Humber region.  During the placement period you will still be expected to attend university either virtually or in person one day a week. 

Your host authority will arrange these placements, and they will be in contrasting settings to give you the broadest range of experience possible

You will sign a trainee contract with one of the Local Authorities within the Regional Partnership. This Local Authority will identify and provide your placements and allocate a Practice Educator to mentor and assess you. We will guarantee that one of the placements at least will be in a frontline statutory setting. You will be asked to complete a personal profile to help the Local Authority identify a suitable placement for you.

A placement day is a minimum of 7 hours excluding breaks and you also need to account for any travelling time to get to your placement. You will be expected to be at your placement during the same ‘office hours’ as the team.

However, the needs of service users can mean that it is sometimes necessary for social workers and social work students to work extended hours, sometimes at short notice. When this happens, student social workers will be able to ‘take back’ this time in line with the host Local Authorities’ policies & practice.

You will be assigned a practice educator and a work based supervisor whilst you are on placement with your host authority and you will also have a University tutor. Each authority has a Step Up to Social Work representative and you will be notified of who this is when you sign your trainee contract so you can contact them at any time.

You will be undertake a “Readiness to practice” assessment prior to going on your first placement.  If you fail this assessment, discussions will take place between the University, the host Local Authority and the student as to whether a further assessment should take place.  

The university has a robust concerns process that will be followed if any concerns are raised on placement. If a fail recommendation is made the university fitness to practice regulations will commence. The host Local Authority and University will discuss the options available to you at this point.

You will not be required to drive if your host authority is a large city as you are able to use public transport. Some authorities don’t have good transport links and therefore you will need to have a driving licence and the use of a car.

You will need to provide your driving licence at the assessment centre if you are being interviewed for an urban and rural local authority (North East Lincs, North Lincs, East Riding).

You must be able to produce your driving licence at the Assessment Centre if you are being interviewed for one of the urban and rural areas (see above). No offer can be made without this. We have accommodated people in the past who have not passed their test by the start of the programme and this has caused major problems so we are unable to alter this decision.

If you are employed in any authority within the Yorkshire and Humberside region you will not be afforded a career break. Career breaks are generally for up to one year only and this programme is for 14-15 months. The ethos of the Step Up to Social Work programme is for the DfE to fund people who wish to change their career to become a children and families social worker. The bursary gives you the opportunity to step out of employment to train and continue to be able to pay your household bills, however this is dependent on the cost of your bills and outgoings, you must be sure to check your finances carefully as the cost of living has increased significantly and yet the Step up bursary payment remains the same.

You will be a University student so will receive a student card. You will be entitled to access any benefits that students may get e.g. discount on council tax, discounts that shops give students etc.

No. The DfE are funding your course fees. You should read your trainee contract carefully as you may have to repay your bursary if you withdraw from the programme without good reason.

The Local Authority, Regional Partnership and University will work together in an attempt to maintain a student on the programme. However, because the programme is externally funded there are external constraints on the availability of the funding and therefore funding will not be available or cannot be deferred after the end of the 14 month programme.

As all participants are registered University students, the University has an ongoing responsibility to support any student who is unable to complete the Step Up to Social Work programme due to ill health. This may include a transfer to one of its other qualifying social work programmes, support in transferring to a qualifying social work programme or a different programme at another University. You would have to pay course fees for transferring to another programme and would not receive the DfE bursary.

If days are lost on placement due to illness, then it may be possible to extend the placement to ensure that your placement days are completed.  This may involve you finishing the programme later than other students. The bursary payment will not be extended beyond the final programme date so you must be aware of this.

Should you become pregnant during the programme then we will meet with you and discuss any reasonable adjustments that need to be made.  We are only able to make a bursary payment to you if you attend the programme and complete all necessary work required. The programme will not be extended for any maternity leave due to restrictions of the DfE funding.

Odd days can be taken whilst on placement as long as you have the permission of the team manager and course programme manager and can make the days up before the end of the placement. 

The Regional Partnership in Yorkshire and Humber have secured a significant number of places on the next Step Up to Social Work programme.

Sheffield City Council is the lead authority for the Yorkshire and Humberside region and supports the following authorities: Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster Trust, East Riding, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, Rotherham, York and Hull.

Leeds City Council is the lead authority for the West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire regional partnership, supporting Leeds, Calderdale, Bradford, North Yorkshire, Wakefield and Kirklees.

If successful, you will be offered a place in your preferred authority however if there are no places left you will be asked if you would like to be referred to another authority within your region or one outside of your region which means you would have to be willing to relocate. Any costs associated with relocation will need to come out of your bursary. We will also hold a waiting list in case people change their minds about accepting the trainee contract. 

We have agreed to include approximately 30 days of holiday excluding Bank Holidays – not all Partnerships give holidays but we want you to take care of your health and wellbeing.

Holidays will be planned out by the University and will usually take place around Christmas and the summer holidays. A calendar of holiday days will be provided well in advance of the start of the programme.  No other holiday times can be taken.

Your first day on the programme in  January 2024  will take place face to face in Sheffield.

You will already have been contacted by the University to complete a registration form and to enrol on the programme.

You will be provided with a laptop prior to your first day of training.

The “Keeping in Touch” day and drop ins will serve as an opportunity to speak to representatives from your host authority and the University, who will be able to answer any further questions before you sign a trainee contract.

All offers will be conditional subject to references, academic checks and DBS checks.

We will hold “Keeping in Touch” events so that you can meet other students who will be on the programme.  This is an opportunity for you to ask any other questions prior to signing the trainee contract. 

You are reminded that if you accept the offer of a place on this programme that you must resign from your current employment ready to start your programme in January 2024.  You are advised to find out how much notice you need to give your employer.

From our experience of previous cohorts, we would advise against taking a part time job, as the programme is so demanding. There can also be tax implications as the bursary is tax free as you are classed as a “student”. Being in employment will change your employment status and you are advised to contact HMRC to find out the tax implications. Should you wish to have a job at the weekends and this does not affect your studying then you are allowed to do this but you will have to inform HMRC as your tax code may change.

You will be required to study and complete assignments so you may not have any spare time for a part time job. The bursary awarded is much higher than a mainstream University to ensure that you are fully committed to this programme. Should you gain employment in the weeks leading up to the end of your programme and your contract then you must declare this to your host representative who will stop your bursary payment as we cannot pay your bursary and a salary at the same time.

Once you have been offered a place you will be asked to complete an Occupational Health form, where you can declare any requirements. If necessary, the University provider will discuss with you how best to support you on your programme.  Should you require reasonable adjustments for the assessment centre and the written exercise then you must indicate this on your application form and also remind the administrator to give you an additional 25% time and provide written medical evidence that you need this adjustment.

Assessment centres for Step Up to Social Work across the country will finish by the end of July 2023. The lead authority for the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Partnership will contact you at the beginning of August to inform you of the outcome of your assessment centre.

Due to the high numbers of applicants we won’t be able to give you feedback.

Further information

For more information on step up to social work, look at:.

The Department for Education (DfE) guidance: Step Up to Social Work: Information for Applicants

For North and West Yorkshire regional Partnership contact:  [email protected]

For Yorkshire and Humber regional Partnership contact:  [email protected]

If you’re interested in other routes into the profession, find out more about social work apprenticeships and social work courses in our region.

A candidate helpline is available if you have any questions not covered by the FAQ document or if you need any support or advice regarding the online application process. The helpline can be accessed via: [email protected] or 03300 417486

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Home > Postgraduate study > Postgraduate courses > Social Work (Step Up) PgDip

Social Work (Step Up) PgDip

Why choose this course.

The Step Up To Social Work programme is a Department for Education scheme. This intensive 14-month full-time programme is for applicants who do not have a social work degree and want to become a social worker.

You will receive a £19,833 tax-free bursary during the programme. The course requires you to complete 170 placement days of hands-on social work practice in a local authority whilst completing academic learning at the University. You will graduate with a postgraduate diploma in social work and will be able to register as a qualified social worker with Social Work England.

This course is in partnership with Achieving for Children ( Kingston and Windsor and Maidenhead), London Borough of Sutton, Surrey County Council, London Borough of Croydon, London Borough of Wandsworth and London Borough of Merton.

Applications for the January 2024 intake are now closed. Information on how to apply for Step Up to Social Work and the fees and support for this course will be listed on the Step Up to Social Work website .

Reasons to choose Kingston University

• Through this course you will train to become a social worker in 14 months.
• During the programme you will receive a £19,833 tax-free bursary.
• The programme offers both hands-on learning and University-based academic learning.

What you will study

You will gain a thorough grounding in the theory and approaches which underpin the professional discipline of social work and develop the knowledge and skills to practise as a social worker.

In Year 1, you will develop your knowledge and skills to prepare for your first placement.

Core modules

Readiness for direct practice.

This module runs throughout the first year and focuses on readiness for direct practice. It is an interactive module which includes skills workshops and a high level of involvement from service users, carers and practice educators from partner agencies. You will learn about the role and tasks of social workers and develop professional skills in verbal and written communication. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on written work and on your communication skills. People with lived experience and carers provide simulated interviews in the Practice Learning Suite.

First Placement

This module is a practice placement of seventy days, undertaken in an agency within the statutory or voluntary sector. We organise this placement for you, with the help of our Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership . You will be working alongside qualified social workers and social care staff, and provided with learning opportunities. You will be supported and supervised by practice learning staff in your placement setting. You will be expected to evidence your developing practice throughout your placement, which will be assessed against the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).

Becoming a Social Worker

This module is designed to provide a general introduction to social work theory, law and policy. The module will enable students to develop theoretical foundational knowledge of social work assessment and intervention, legislation and policy which underpin social work practice. Students will be introduced to key children and adult legislation alongside an introduction to safeguarding and assessing risk which will equip students with knowledge for their first placement.

Human Development and the Social Environment

This module will enable you to gain an understanding of human development that is underpinned by the value of difference and diversity. A life course perspective will inform the content of the module, incorporating key theoretical frameworks and research findings. There will be a critical focus on the interaction of social, political, cultural, economic and environmental influences on people's lives. Ideas of normative development, including key milestones in childhood and adolescence, will therefore be underpinned by a critical understanding of structural inequalities, which may affect individual development and perpetuate the difficulties experienced by some groups and communities. Relevance to social work will be highlighted through case studies, targeted reading, and facilitated discussions. Experiential and reflective learning will be promoted through a structured child observation task and reflective seminars.

In Year 2, you will build on the knowledge and skills from your first practice placement and learn how to critically analyse social work theory, legislation, and research to inform social work practice.

Second Placement

This module is a final practice placement of one hundred days, undertaken in an agency within the statutory or voluntary sector. We organise this placement for you, with the help of our Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership . You will be working alongside qualified social workers and social care staff, and provided with learning opportunities to develop your autonomous practice. You will be supported and supervised by practice learning staff in your placement setting. You will build on your previous placement experience and knowledge, and continue to evidence your practice to meet the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at the final placement level.

Advanced Knowledge for Social Work Practice

This module builds on the learning from SW7047 (Becoming a Social Worker) and further develops critical understanding of law and social policy relevant to child and family social work, together with theories and methods to inform social work interventions. Students will gain an understanding of the thread between law and social policy and how decision making occurs within complex systems where social workers often face competing imperatives. Students will develop a robust awareness and nuanced understanding of theories and methods to navigate this practice terrain. This module will draw on both practice learning experiences (from students' first practice placement) and  module material to develop the knowledge and skills required to work collaboratively while ensuring risk assessment, decision making, and interventions are informed by evidence.

Critical Analysis of Research, Ethics and Practice

This module is undertaken alongside the final practice placement of 100 days enabling the integration of research and academic learning with placement learning and experiences. Drawing on students' current practice, this module enables students to further develop their ability to critically analyse how social work models, research, and theories inform planning, assessment, and interventions for ethical social work practice.

The assignments will assist students to evidence Social Work England Professional Standards (SWEPS) and the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at the standard required for students at the end of their final placement.

Entry requirements

Typical offer.

The minimum entry qualifications for the programme are:

• a degree-level qualification in any discipline except social work from a UK higher education institute or an approved overseas equivalent
• a minimum 2:2 level 6 degree qualification, for example, an honours degree or a graduate certificate or a postgraduate qualification (level 7 and above) for example, a masters degree or a postgraduate certificate/ postgraduate diploma
• GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent)
• Non-native speakers who do not have the equivalent of GCSE English at grade 4 (formerly grade C) or an equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 Literacy) require an Academic IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent overall
• a minimum of 6 months' full-time (or equivalent) direct experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families/carers or adults, either in a paid or voluntary capacity
• must reside in England
• All applicants must confirm prior to interview that they have the ability to use basic IT facilities, including word processing, internet browsing and use of email.

A Home Office Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and clearance at enhanced level and a Self-Declaration of Health Status to confirm that the applicant does not have a health condition that would affect their ability to practise as a trainee social worker are also required for entry.

Admission with Recognised of Prior Learning (RPEL): Applicants offering prior qualifications and/or experiential learning may be exempted from appropriate parts of a course in accordance with Kingston University's mechanisms and policies for the recognition of prior learning and achievement. The Department's RPEL Advisor meets with all those who consider that they may be able to make a claim for RPEL and arranges a programme of support and assessment for applicants to help them make a successful claim.

For further details please read our academic regulations.

International

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 7.0 overall with special conditions in all elements. Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements , which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

If you require a Student Route visa to reside in the UK you may not be able to enrol on a part-time programme at the University. Kingston University has carefully considered the Student Route visa and has decided not to offer Student Route visa part-time study. Student Route visa sponsorship is only available to students studying on a full-time course.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

• Middle East

Teaching and assessment

You will be learning through lectures, seminars and workshops with case studies and group work activities. You will develop your knowledge and skills through simulation activities in the Practice Learning Suite with people with lived experience and practice educators.

You will have two placements, supported by practice educators to enable you to reflect and critically analyse your practice through supervision.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking and preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS – the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's  support services . 

Your workload

Year 1: 25% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

• Scheduled learning and teaching: 230 hours
• Guided independent study (self-managed time) and placement : 970 hours (nominal)

Year 2 : 75% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

• Scheduled learning and teaching: 104 hours
• Guided independent study (self-managed time) and placement : 796 hours (nominal)

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises essays, poster presentations and group presentations. Practice will be assessed by a portfolio of evidence of learning in practice including direct observation and reflection.

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows: 

• 55% coursework
• 45% practical

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetables

For the majority of your teaching, you will be in the University four days a week for this intensive course. Placements are normally full time, Monday to Friday. At the beginning of your placements you will spend time in both placement and university.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 14 students and lecture sizes are normally 14. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

Every member of the teaching staff has substantial practice experience in social work. In addition, many are actively involved in social work research, presenting regularly at conferences and publishing in books and journals. In addition, our course teams draw on the wealth of experience provided by our professional contacts and service users and carers who feed into the design of our courses and provide teaching and supervision to enrich your learning.

Mrs Sue Lansley

Course director.

Mrs Marva Pickersgill-Mckenzie

Course fees and funding, fees for this course.

Applications for January 2024 are expected to open in March 2023. Information on how to apply for Step up to social work and the fees and support for this course will be listed on the Gov.UK website.

Visit our  Fees and funding page  to find out about the student funding options available to help you fund your postgraduate studies. 

Postgraduate loans

If you are starting a course at Kingston, you will be able to  apply for a loan  of up to £10,000 to study for a postgraduate masters degree. 

If you are an international student, find out more about  scholarships and bursaries .

Discounts for Kingston University alumni

Kingston University is pleased to offer a 10% discount on full-time and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees (including PGCE courses) to our alumni. Visit our  Alumni discount page  to find out more.

After you graduate

On completing the course you will be eligible to apply to the Social Work England to register as a social worker.

Employment opportunities are available in:

• Children's services and family support
• Community care and adult services
• Adult/youth criminal justice services
• Community, day, residential and health settings
• Mental health, disability, learning disabilities, older adults, addictions, and forensic services
• Portable social work qualification that you can use to work overseas
• Post-qualifying programmes available

Good career development opportunities and post-qualifying training and awards are now an established part of the social work profession.

Links with business and industry

Developing together social work teaching partnership.

We provide social work education in partnership with a diverse range of local authorities and voluntary sector organisations called ' Developing Together '. This provides strong and mutually supportive relationships between the University and social work employers.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan . You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Social Work Skills Lab

The skills lab is a purpose-built facility where social work students have the opportunity to learn and to practise key social work skills.

Social workers undertaking continuing professional development courses develop their assessment and intervention skills and other skills such as mentoring, teaching and providing reflective supervision.

What's available?

The skills lab is divided into several sections including:

• a seminar/case conference room for a maximum of 20 people;
• a simulated living-room and front door to assist in developing skills relating to home visits;
• five interview rooms simulating work environments;
• a control room with two-way mirror and viewing monitors; and
• all rooms have fitted cameras and microphones so that activities can be recorded.

A flexible, creative space

The skills lab has been designed to be a multi-functional space which allows flexible use. The furniture is all portable and can be changed according to the simulated activities required.

The small rooms can be used for practising communication skills and simulating supervision sessions.

The large room can be used as a teaching or seminar room and can be set up as a simulated case conference room or duty desk.

Participants have the opportunity to engage in creative skills development activities and benefit from live supervision and feedback from the recorded material.

Current research in this subject

Many of our staff are research active, often in partnership with NHS Trusts. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Social work research activity focuses around several key areas:

• risk and child abuse
• children's rights
• learning processes and partnership approaches in professional education
• management of child protection systems
• safeguarding adults
• mental capacity
• effectiveness of community-based responses to crime.

We conduct much of our social care research and consultancy either in partnership with or on behalf of the social service, voluntary sector and probation agencies.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course.  Course changes explained .

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course  can be found on our website.

Related courses

Advanced Social Work MA

Practice Education PgCert

Social work (post-qualifying) credit-bearing short course

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Step Up To Social Work

Producing high-calibre social workers for the realities of frontline social work practice.

Our programme

Manchester Metropolitan University was one of two universities commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to develop and quality assure the initial Step Up To Social Work Programme Pilot.

The pilot ran for the first time in 2010 and we’ve continued to deliver the programme with local authority partnerships ever since.

We’re committed to developing sustained partnerships. We work with employers to produce high-calibre social workers who are equipped for the realities of frontline social work practice. This was recognised in the national evaluation of the programme by the DfE.

The programme aims to build on skills that students already have from a variety of different work settings, backgrounds, and experiences.

Course Overview

The integration of theory and practice is a key theme running throughout the programme and the local authorities ensure that teaching is relevant for contemporary social workers.

Being a fast-track programme, the programme moves quickly in order to fit in the academic work and practice placements you’re required to take to qualify within 14 months.

The pace of the academic work varies over the course and the assessments are a mixture of assignments, time-constrained assignments and online assessments, all of which are submitted electronically.

The programme includes over 170 days of placement which will be in your supporting local authority. You’re expected to travel to placements and after completing the programme, most graduates work within their supporting local authority. The first placement will be for 70 days and the second placement is 100 days long, four days a week.

We’ve developed the programme to ensure that your learning will prepare you to become a skilled social work practitioner, working with children and families in a local authority setting.. 

To facilitate the integration of theory and practice, the programme has been organised so that you study academic units alongside being on placement. 

Course Length

The next cohort will begin January 2024 and finishes at the end of March 2025.

There are some breaks in the programme when you can take a holiday. However, you will not have the long holidays normally associated with university undergraduate courses.

It is likely you will have to study during the evenings and weekends in order to qualify in 14 months.

Our Partnerships

We currently have three regional partnerships with local authorities; Greater Lancashire, the North East of England and Yorkshire and Humberside.

Planning the programme with local authorities means that social workers learn about issues and skills that are important for effective social work with children in a local authority setting.

Greater Lancashire

Greater lancashire partnership includes:.

• Lancashire County Council
• Blackburn with Darwen Council
• Blackpool Council

Key strengths include:

• overall student satisfaction levels for their programme of study
• strong partnership working
• student preparedness and readiness for practice at the point of qualification and employment
• a course that is mapped against the Knowledge and Skills Statement for approved child and family practitioners (KSS, March 2018)

External examiners have commented that high attainment levels and high completion levels reflect the success of partnership working. The commitment to joint working, including co-delivery with service users and an overall commitment to supporting and developing students to very high standards ready for the workforces of each local authority.

The success of our partnerships arises from:

• a positive ethos of joint working
• employer and University responsiveness to high quality educational and practice-based provision
• flexibility to meet employers’ needs over a wide geographical area
• creative and innovative provision which is employer-led
• currency of knowledge and flexibility within the curriculum

Step Up To Social Work is a high-quality bespoke programme based on:

• a blended learning approach to social work education encompassing online delivery, direct  face-to-face teaching sessions, workshops, tutorials and small group learning opportunities
• utilisation of electronic technology for the programme online delivery aspect
• sustained focus on integrating theory and practice, throughout the programme, stimulated by an integrated practice/academic structure focusing upon skills development

Practicalities

The programme provides support through face-to-face workshops, online academic support and personal tutor arrangements. You’re expected to be highly motivated, and able to work independently and engage fully in online material.

Face-to-face teaching will occur in the region; in previous cohorts this has been in Preston. Some local authorities expect you to have a driving licence.

The local authorities in the partnership are very committed to providing good learning experiences for Step Up students through the provision of statutory placements.

What previous students think of the course

Really comprehensive information, with lots of links to other resources that may be of use to the module being studied, but also to practice. I feel that they’re able to offer much more information than would be available if delivered face-to-face. I like the availability of interactive workbooks and the ability to access electronic versions of academic texts.

The quality and relevance of the teaching at Manchester Met is very good. It not only prepares you to be technically competent at the task of being a social worker but encourages them to think about the profession and become mindful of the challenges faced within the field and what changes are required. I believe that this supports you to progress quickly upon qualifying.

North East Partnership comprises of the following local authorities:

• South Tyneside
• Middlesbrough
• Northumberland
• Redcar and Cleveland
• North Tyneside

We’ve been working as a regional partnership to train future social workers through Step Up To Social Work since 2015.

During that time we’ve trained over 100 students. Many of whom have progressed to social work roles within the local authorities in which they trained, or moved to other local authorities in the region.

We’re now looking to recruit our next cohort of students, who will start the programme in January 2024.

Our partnership is hugely committed to Step Up and you can be assured of the support you need throughout your programme, both from our network of local authority staff and colleagues at Manchester Met.

You’ll also build a strong community with your fellow Step Up students as you travel on your journey together.

Experiences of our students

To learn more about the individual local authorities in the North East Regional Partnership, please visit their websites:

• Darlington Borough Council
• Durham County Council
• Gateshead Council
• Hartlepool Borough Council
• Middleborough - Children Matter
• Newcastle City Council
• North Tyneside Council
• Northumberland City Council
• Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council
• South Tyneside Council
• Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
• Sunderland - Together for Children

Yorkshire and Humberside

The yorkshire and humberside partnership comprises of the following local authorities:.

• Sheffield City Council
• Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
• Doncaster Children Services Trust 
• East Riding Council 
• Hull City Council 
• North Lincolnshire Council  
• North East Lincolnshire Council
• Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
• City of York Council

For further information about the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Partnership, please  visit the Children’s Social Work Matters website .

How To Apply

The application form is available from the Department for Education (DfE) website, where you will also find the experience and qualifications needed for the programme.

For any further questions about Step Up To Social Work that cannot be answered by a local representative, please email Dr Jenny Fisher.

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PGDip Step Up to Social Work

• Course Details
• Entry Requirements
• Employability
• Teaching Team
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Location: High Wycombe
• Duration: 14 Months
• Start Date: TBC

Step Up to Social Work is a 14 month post graduate intensive full-time qualifying programme and is funded by the Department for Education.

Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling you to register and practice as a social worker.

Why study this subject?

Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. You will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener. You will also need good observational skills, analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children. Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve - all of which you will need to succeed, and social work can be life changing for those you support. 

The Step Up to Social Work programme is a unique opportunity to receive support while you begin to start a new career in social work. On the 14-month training programme, you will receive hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in a local authority while undertaking your qualification. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling you to apply to register and practice as a social worker.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

This is an employer-led course delivered by the Berkshire Regional Social Work Partnership on behalf of the Department for Education together with BNU. The programme only runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply.

It’s fully funded: you can receive a tax-free bursary of £19,833. This will allow you to change or start a new career in social work and be able to continue to pay your bills and cover your living costs while you are studying. It’s also a fast-track course, meaning after 14 months you can qualify as a social worker, register with Social Work England and be able to seek employment.

It’s employer-led: you are hosted by one of the Local Authorities in the partnership, undertaking 170 days on placement and gaining real social work experience, knowledge and skills in combination with academic study.

The campus is close to home: within 35 minutes from London and located within High Wycombe, we are easy to get to and fit around your schedule. We also aim to support you in achieving employment in the local area.

What facilities can I use?

Our library is packed with all the information you need for your assignments – you’ll have access to hundreds of specialist books, articles, industry publications and specialist online resources. All resources you require for completion of this course will be provided on our High Wycombe campus such as access to our 24/7 library, which is open all day and night and has computers with all the relevant software.

We also provide laptops on loan, and you can access our AppsAnywhere service , which allows you to use software from a personal computer at home or loaned from the University.

What will I study?

Step Up to Social Work is an intensive full-time, fully funded, Postgraduate Social Work training programme with the objective of helping you to become a qualified social worker in just 14 months.

We are looking for people who are committed to making a difference for disadvantaged children and families. You need to have a willingness to learn, be emotionally resilient and be able to undertake this challenging yet hugely rewarding academic degree programme.

This course aids you in changing or starting a new career in social work and provides support so you can continue to pay your bills and fund your living costs while you are studying. The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply.

We will have a total of 24 places across our region partnership which includes, Slough children first, Reading Brighter children for future, Bracknell Forest council and West Bucks Council. The closing date for applications is the 24 March 2023.

Successful applicants will start the Step Up to Social Work programme in January 2024 and finish in March 2025. This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, as the Department for Education provides funding via a tax-free bursary payment of £19,833, over the duration of the programme, and payment of your fees for successful applicants.

Further information

For more information please visit:

Apply for Step Up to Social Work – GOV.UK (gov.uk)

Application is through the Department of Education website (and not the Buckinghamshire New University website). The application window is now closed. We’ll update this page with details about the next programme, when it’s available. Use Explore Careers for information on how to become a social worker.

PGDip Social Work Programme Specification

What are the course entry requirements?

You will need to have a copy of your degree qualification certificate and your GCSE in Maths and English grades A-C or equivalent at the time of applying. These documents will be needed by us should you be offered a place.

To apply to the programme, you’ll need to apply on the Berkshire Regional partnership site. You will need to have a minimum of:

• 2:2 undergraduate degree qualification in any subject (level 6)
• 6 months’ full-time (or equivalent) direct experience, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families, carers or vulnerable adults
• GCSEs in English or English language and mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above (or an approved equivalent)
• Attendance of an assessment day or interview may be required
• ID proof such as a driving licence may also be required

For more information please visit the government website .

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our  Academic Advice section .

What are the tuition fees

Students will receive a bursary from DFE of £19,833 for the duration of the course. This may be subject to change.

Contact our partner at Bracknell Forest Council:  [email protected] Most courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. You could benefit from financial support through a bursary or scholarship during your time as a student. For more details visit our financial support, bursaries and scholarships section.

Questions about fees?

If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our Enquiries team by calling 0330 123 2023 or emailing [email protected] .

What are my career prospects?  

This training programme allows you to become a qualified social worker in just 14 months. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling you to register and practice as a social worker.

This course will also allow you to apply to register with  Social Work England  as a qualified social worker. Once you have achieved the qualified status, you could look at jobs with a starting salary of around 33k per annum, although BNU does not guarantee you a job after graduation, or a salary, this course could help you increase your chances of securing employment locally and nationally.

Throughout your time with us we’ll support you on the route to your chosen career. We’ll help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become enterprising, employable and good leaders. We also help you find employment in the local area after graduation with our career success service .

Course leader

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Home » Step Up to Social Work

• Step Up to Social Work

The Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership is pleased to announce that we  have once again been awarded funding in partnership with Kingston University, Achieving for Children, Croydon Children, Merton Children, Sutton Children, Surrey Children and Wandsworth Children’s services, to deliver Cohort 8 of Step up To Social Work. This comes following a successful first year of delivering the programme to Cohort 7 students, who graduated in March 2023.

We currently have 25 enrolled students who are already doing their first placements in our different partner organisations.

What is Step Up?

 The 14 month intensive  Step Up to Social Work programme provides intensive, hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in a local authority, and once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, enabling you to register and practice as a social worker.

This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, as the Department for Education provides funding via a tax-free bursary payment of £19,833, over the duration of the programme, and payment of University fees for successful applicants. 

We look for strong graduates who have experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or adults and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates, as we aim to have a workforce that represents the society that we serve.

  Why choose us?

Studying and working within the Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership offers aspiring social workers a whole host of unique benefits.

Kingston University is the Teaching Partnership’s academic partner, meaning they work collaboratively with seven local authorities and two voluntary sector agencies across South West London & Surrey. Benefits to students include being taught in the classroom by Teaching Consultants, who are practising social workers and will bring theory to life with their front-line experiences. Our Teaching Partnership is lucky enough to have over 20 Teaching Consultants.

On the Step Up to Social Work programme you will be taught in the award-winning Skills Lab by well-established and published academics who have practice and research experience in social work, and the Teaching Consultants. You can find out more about this fantastic learning opportunity here .

Kingston University will also pay for your professional student membership of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) during your course.

One of the key advantages to studying within our Teaching Partnership is the access you will have to stimulating and rewarding practice placements in the local region. Placements will be allocated within either Achieving for Children (delivering statutory children’s services for Kingston, Richmond and Windsor & Maidenhead) London Borough of Sutton, Croydon Council, Merton Council, Surrey County Council and Wandsworth Council. 

All boroughs have an Ofsted rating of Good or above and students will be exposed to a range of safeguarding issues, including child abuse & neglect. Placements are available within most teams, for example: assessment, intervention, youth offending, leaving care, disabilities etc. * the different boroughs use different team names. We also offer students the chance to access valuable experience in the voluntary sector by spending a number of placement days with National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), Welcare or Citizens Advice Sutton.

Placements are also supported by our Partnership Practice Consultants and overseen by a group of representatives from across the Partnership to ensure quality and consistency of Practice Education. More information about our Practice Education within our Partnership can be found here .

When the time comes to apply to become a newly qualified social worker (NQSW), employability skills workshops are hosted by the Partnership to maximise your chances of securing employment upon completion of your course. These sessions include practical advice and guidance on writing your CV, interview questions and tips, interview practice and what to expect from the Assessed and Support Year in Employment (ASYE).

Once employed as an NQSW, you’ll have access to an excellent ASYE programme that exceeds national requirements. After your ASYE, as part of your career journey, you’ll transition onto our Early Professional Development Framework which offers a comprehensive range of varied learning and support opportunities to allow you to develop as a qualified social worker and build resilience, professional curiosity, leadership, mentoring and project skills. Beyond this, you’ll also be able to take advantage of our social work specific Career Pathways & Continuing Professional Development Framework, which was developed collaboratively with local employers and the University in order to provide social workers with a clear illustration of their possible progression routes. All social workers have access to a fantastic learning and development offer through the local authority, as well as the Teaching Partnership’s annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) offer.

For more information:

Visit Step Up to Social Work: information for applicants

Find out what it’s like to work for Achieving for Children,   London Borough of Sutton , London Borough of Croydon,  Merton Council , London Borough of Wandsworth,   and Surrey County Council .

Find out more about Kingston University .

If you have any questions, or want more information about studying and working with us, please contact us at: admin@developingtogetherswtp.org.uk

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Student selection

Ensure the highest calibre of social work students with the attributes, competencies and passion needed to thrive in the profession are recruited to our academic programmes.

Curriculum development

Develop a curriculum that aligns with local need and is grounded not only in research and the CSWs’ KSS, but also in practice.

Readiness for practice

Give students the experience and support they need to ensure they are ready to practice within our region as Newly Qualified Social Workers.

Academics in practice

Ensure practice across our region is consistently informed by theory and research and that academics’ teaching is equally informed by practice.

Regional progression and development

Create regional progression pathways and CPD opportunities capable of attracting and retaining the best and brightest social workers in the UK.

Future workforce

Better understand our regional labour market to enable us to develop a robust plan to meet our partnership’s current and future workforce demands.

Recommended pages

• Undergraduate open days
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Step Up to Social Work

• Visit an Open Day
• Request a prospectus
• Course details
• Entry Requirements
• Teaching and assessment
• Employability

Enter a profession which is both a challenging and rewarding career, through which you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families

Applications are now closed for the 2024 Step Up to Social Work programme.

Please note that the DfE may award funding for another round of Step Up programmes to begin in 2026.  However, this is unconfirmed. 

If you were unsuccessful in your 2023 application, missed the opportunity to apply and or are unable to wait for the next possible programme, you could consider alternative routes into social work, such as the University of Birmingham's Masters in social work programme. 

MA Social Work 

We have places available on our MA Social Work course at the University of Birmingham. These places have a bursary attached for eligible students. The NHS bursary can support you with your study fees and the cost of living. Read more about the bursary , including eligibility criteria. 

If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer: [email protected]

The Step up to Social Work programme  

As a social worker, you will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, listen, enable and advocate and work with empathy, compassion and humility. Your emotional intelligence, resilience, stamina, and resolve will be tested as you negotiate complex human rights, ethical and moral issues, which demand self-awareness, a non-judgemental attitude and high order thinking skills. The tests of social work are rewarded with the chance to facilitate positive change in the lives of those you work with.

This programme, delivered by the University of Birmingham and in collaboration with the West Midlands Regional Teaching Partnership, will ensure you meet the requirements for a social work qualification on successful completion of all modules and placements. Once awarded a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Social Work, you will be able to register with Social Work England and practice as a social worker.

Social Work is an academic and practice-based discipline therefore, all students will be expected to perform with academic skill in equal measure to practical skill. This duality is reflected in the 14 month programme, which features several assessed modules designed to develop your social work knowledge, skills and values.

We offer a range of learning activities throughout, drawing upon contributions from our 'Lived Experience' (service user and carer) team, local professionals and former students. In addition to the taught sessions, you will complete 2 practice learning opportunities ('placements') in which you are expected to apply your research and theory informed learning in practical ways. Placements are identified by the Regional Partnership team and will be based in the Local Authority area you are assigned to.  

The Step Up programme is backed by a £25m investment by the Department for Education to support 700 individuals to enter the social work profession in local authorities across England in 2024. The Department for Education covers the cost of your university tuition and provides a tax-free bursary of £19,833 paid over the duration of the programme to support you during your training.  This bursary reflects the fact that it is highly unlikely that you will be able to take any paid employment at any point in the 14 month programme and that you are committing to post graduate employment in a Children and Families service within a Local Authority or Trust.

Please note that if your programme is extended for any reason e.g. missed placement days or repeat placements days, you may not complete in 14 months and will need to consider contingencies.

Our Standard Requirements

International requirements.

Holders of a Licence, Diplome, Diplome d'Etudes Superieures, Diplome d'Ingenieur or a Diplome d'Architecte from a recognised university in Algeria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of one of these qualifications will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 for 2:1 equivalency or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

A Bachelors (Honours) degree from an accredited Australian higher education institution may be considered for admission to a Masters degree.   Applicants with 3 year Bachelors with distinction from a recognised university, can be considered for admission to a Masters degree.

Holders of a Diplom, a Diplomstudium/Magister or a three-year Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, or a high-scoring Fachhochschuldiplom (FH) from a recognised Austrian Fachhochschule, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

 Holders of a bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Bahrain will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of three years duration, followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration from a recognised university in Bangladesh will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least four years duration may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Bangladesh.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6-3.1/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (‘Diploma of Completed Higher Education’), a pre-2001 Masters degree or a post-2001 Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 5 out of 6, mnogo dobur/’very good’ for 2:1 equivalence; or 4 out of 6, dobur/’good’ for 2:2 equivalence; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma Visoko Obrazovanje (Advanced Diploma of Education) or Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, for 2:1 equivalence or 3.0 out of 5.0, dobar ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Holders of a good four-year government-accredited Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education college with a minimum overall GPA of 3 out of 4 for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.75 out of 4 for 2:2 equivalency; or a good four-year Bachelors degree (Ptychio) from a recognised University, with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 for 2:2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Bakalár, or a good pre-2002 Magistr, from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), for 2:1 equivalence, or 2.5, C, dobre ‘good’ (post-2004) or 3, dobre ‘pass’ (pre-2004) for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree/Candidatus Philosophiae, Professionbachelor or Eksamensbevis from a recognised Danish university, with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or 4-7 out of 12 (or 7 out of 13) for 2:2 equivalence depending on the awarding institution will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Egypt will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants holding a Bachelors degree with alternative grading systems, will normally be expected to have achieved a 75% (Very Good) for 2:1 equivalency or 65% (Good) for 2:2 equivalency. For applicants with a grading system different to those mentioned here, please contact [email protected] for advice on what the requirements will be for you.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university or Applied Higher Education Institution with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B for 2:1 equivalency or 3/5 or C for 2:2 equivalency, or a good Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma), will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto (AMK) (new system), an Yrkeshögskoleexamen (YHS) (new system), a Kandidaatti / Kandidat (new system), an Oikeustieteen Notaari or a Rättsnotarie, a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 3-4/5 for 2:1 equivalence or 1-2/3 or 2.5-3/5 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good three-year Licence, License Professionnelle, Diplôme d'Ingénieur/Architecte Diplômé d'État, Diplôme from an Ecole Superieure de Commerce / Gestion / Politique, or Diplome d'Etat Maitrise of three years duration or a Maîtrise from a recognised French university or Grande École will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, bien, for 2:1 equivalency, or 11 out of 20, assez bien, for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good three-year Bachelor degree, a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university, or a good Fachhochschuldiplom from a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students from Germany who have completed three years of the Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 10 from the first six semesters of study within the Juristische Universitätsprüfung programme would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes.  Students from Germany who have completed the five year Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 6.5 would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) from a recognised Greek university (AEI) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, or a good four-year Ptychio from a recognised Technical Higher Education institution (TEI) with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés (Bachelors degree) or Egyetemi Oklevel (university diploma) from a recognised Hungarian university, or a Foiskola Oklevel (college diploma) from a recognised college of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 3.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of three or four years in duration from a recognised university in India will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 55% - 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or 50% - 55% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Either: A four-year Bachelors degree (first class or very good upper second class)

Or: A three-year Bachelors degree (first class) from recognised institutions in India.

For MSc programmes, the Business School will consider holders of three-year degree programmes (first class or very good upper second class) from recognised institutions in India.

For entry to LLM programmes, Birmingham is happy to accept applications from 3 or 5 year LLB holders from India from prestigious institutions.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iran with a minimum of 14/20 or 70% will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate taught programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iraq will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Israel will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 80% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diploma di Laurea, Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti, Diploma di Mediatore Linguistico or Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello from a recognised Italian university with a minimum overall grade of 100 out of 110 for 2:1 equivalence, or 92 out of 110 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Jordan will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Kuwait will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good pre-2000 Magistrs or post-2000 Bakalaurs from a recognised university, or a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Lebanon will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 16/20 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency, or 14/20 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good Bakalauras (post 2001), Profesinis Bakalauras (post 2001) or pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree or Diplôme d'Ingénieur Industriel from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20 for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons) for UK 2:1 equivalency, or 2:2 (Hons) for UK 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise from a recognised university in Morocco will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Nepal will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration plus a Masters degree may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Nepal.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 or 65%-79% average or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 60%-65% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Dutch university, or Bachelors degree from a recognised Hogeschool (University of Professional Education), or a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university, with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good three-six-year Bachelorgrad, Candidatus Magisterii, Sivilingeniø (siv. Ing. - Engineering), "Siviløkonom" (siv. Øk. - Economics) degree from a recognised Norwegian education institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, or a GPA of C/Good or 2.6-3.2 for a 2.2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Oman will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years in duration from a recognised university in Pakistan will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration, or holders of a two year Bachelors degree and a two year Masters degree in the same subject, may also be considered for postgraduate study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 2.8-3.0/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

A two-year degree followed by a three-year LLB will count as a full Bachelors degree.

All qualifications must be from recognised institutions. For further details on recognised institutions, please refer to Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Licenciado, with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent. The Grado de Bachiller is equivalent to an ordinary degree, so grades of 15+/20 are required.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good post-2001 Licencjat / Inzynier (Bachelors degree), or a pre-2001 Magister, from a recognised Polish university, with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus ‘better than good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 4 out of 5, dobry 'good' for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, bom com distinção ‘good with distinction’, for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20, bom ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Qatar will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diplomă de Licenţă, Diplomă de Inginer, Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat, Diplomă de Arhitect, Diplomă de Farmacist or Diplomã de Doctor-Medic Arhitect (Bachelors degree) from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Диплом Бакалавра (Bakalavr) degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 from recognised universities in Russia may be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/MPhil degrees. 

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the Saudi Arabia will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 2, C, Dobrý ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7.0 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Título de Licenciado / Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado (Grado) /Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto from a recognised Spanish university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Special or Professional Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Sri Lanka will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or B+ for 2:1 equivalency, or 55-59% or a CGPA 3.0/4.0 or B for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd) for 2:1 equivalency, or G (godkänd) for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good " Baccalauréat universitaire/ Diplom / Diplôme; Lizentiat / Licence; Staatsdiplom / Diplôme d'Etat" degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Syria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70%, or ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalency or 60%, or ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level. Holders of Bachelors degree from prestigious institutions (see list below) will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.7 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants with grades slightly below these requirements may also be considered for an offer if they have a relevant Bachelors degree, good scores in relevant modules, or relevant work experience.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from all other institutions will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency.

Prestigious institutions: Assumption University Chiang Mai University Chulalongkorn University Kasetsart University Khon Kaen University King Mongkut University of Technology - Thonburi (known as KMUTT or KMUT) Mahidol University Prince of Songla University Srinakharinwirot University Thammasat University

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Caribbean and West Indies university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. 

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the UAE will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good four-year Bachelors degree/ Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised institution, with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or a GPA of 3.5/5.0, 3.0/4, 6/12 or 70% for 2:2 equivalence, depending on the awarding institution, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

You should commit to academic study Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm approximately. You need also to commit to a first placement of 70 days (Monday to Friday) and a second for 100 days (Monday to Friday). There will be 1 independent study day per week during module teaching weeks, and a series of 'Practice Consolidation Days' for reflection during your placement.

All teaching and learning activities are linked to Social Work England’s professional standards and the British Association of Social Worker’s capabilities framework, to ensure you meet the requirements for a social work qualification at the close of the programme. Once you have successfully completed all modules and 2 placements, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling you to apply to register with Social Work England and practice as a social worker. 

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Step up to Social Work

Step up to social work is an intensive, 14-month, full-time programme run by the Department for Education. If you want to become a social worker but do not have a degree in social work, you can train through this programme.

Key information

• Duration 14 months
• Start date January 2024
• Location additional locations (see overview), Medway

The Kent and Medway Regional Partnership has opened recruitment round for 20 aspiring social workers to start this programme in January 2024.

Students can expect to learn through a combination of academic study and real social work experience in either Kent or Medway Local Authority. On completion, the Postgraduate Diploma will enable graduates to register and practice as a social worker, making a difference by nurturing relationships with families during difficult times and by protecting children.

Do you have what it takes to ‘Step Up’ to social work?

Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference for vulnerable children and families. You will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener. You will also need good observational skills, analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children. Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve - all of which you will need to succeed. Social work can be life changing for those you support.

This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, as the Department for Education provides funding via a tax-free bursary payment of £19,833, over the duration of the programme, and payment of University fees for successful applicants. This will allow you to change or start a new career in social work and be able to continue to pay your bills and fund your living costs while you are studying. The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply.

Everything you need to know about our Step up to Social Work course

Entry requirements, course structure, how you'll study.

Recruitment to Step Up to Social Work is managed by the Kent and Medway regional partnership , and applications to Step Up to Social Work must be made through a central Department for Education application portal . Please note that applications must be made by noon (UK time) on Monday 3 April.

We are looking for strong graduates who have experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or vulnerable adults and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates and aim to have a workforce that represents the society that we serve.

You will need to have a minimum 2:2 level 6 degree qualification, for example an honours degree or a graduate certificate (this can be in any subject) to apply to the programme. You should also have GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent). You will need to show all of your original certificates to us as part of the application and assessment process. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online

Please note:

To apply to the Step Up to Social Work programme applicant must live in England and have the right to live and study in the UK (including access to public funds)

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications. 

Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country  and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

English language entry requirements

This course requires a Very Good level of English language, equivalent to a high B2 on CEFR.  

Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our  English Language requirements webpage . 

Examples:  

IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component 

PTE Academic 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test 

A degree from the UK 

A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through  Kent International Pathways .

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the theory and approaches of social work and develop the knowledge and skills required to start a career as a practising social worker.

Duration: 14 months full-time

Social Work Skills and Values

Students will be introduced to concepts of professionalism and relationships in social work and the role of self-monitoring, reflection, reflective practice and emotional resilience. They will learn about, critically discuss and practise a range of core communication and interpersonal skills. Indicative skills are: effective contact with service users and colleagues; active listening and attending skills; the role of non-verbal communication; empathy; effective use of questions; paraphrasing and summarising; challenging constructively and managing conflict; the use of electronic and telephone communication; constructive use of feedback; developing leadership skills; and working with people with special communication needs.

Life-course Development

The module will begin with a general introduction to lifespan approaches. Students will study physical, cognitive and social development in early and later childhood; attachment theory and its relevance to social work practice; and the impact of life transitions, loss, trauma, disability, neglect and abuse, as well as issues around resilience. Broader social influences on individuals and families will also be examined, such as diversity and difference throughout the life span, acknowledging cross-cultural differences in attachment, development and separation. In relation to each topic multiple perspectives (biological/medical, cognitive, developmental, psychodynamic, humanistic, narrative, among others) will be critically examined. Theoretical learning about life-course development will be systematically linked to social work practice with children and families in relation to the assessment of need, risk and strengths, working in partnership, and ethical and value-based interventions.

Social Work Processes, Theories and Methods

Through this module students will develop a critical understanding of social work processes, including models and methods of assessment and intervention relevant to child and family social work. Students will explore and critically reflect on the role of theory in social work and its intersection with the development of interventions and social work skills. Specific approaches and perspectives in assessment and intervention with individuals, families, groups and communities will be explored and critically reviewed, including systemic and therapeutic approaches, motivational interviewing, and the Signs of Safety model. The module will incorporate use of simulations from the Centre for Child Protection to support students in relating their learning and practising their skills in a simulated practice situation.

Legislation and Policy in Social Work Practice

The curriculum will address the need for social workers to have in depth knowledge and understanding of the law and its applications to social work practice. The history, context, and nature of English law and law making will be covered including natural law and positivist law and their intersection with ethics and philosophy. The 'legal framework' of English social work including legislation, quasi-legislation and social policy will be outlined, as will the process - and political context - of policy-making and implementation. Primary and secondary legislation, policy and guidance and the cases that together constitute 'the law & policy' relating to key service user groups will be outlined. Students will study the application of legislation and policy as it relates to social work with children and families, including its duties and discretionary powers. Judicial interpretation relevant to social work, the role and nature of Courts and the legal profession, legal procedure and the nature of evidence will also be covered. Human Rights and equality law with a particular focus on justice and the promotion of equality in the areas of 'race', gender and sexual orientation, disability and age will be addressed as will legal systems and frameworks relating to safeguarding and the management of confidential information.

Practice Placement 1 70 days (Step Up)

Students will undertake a period of assessed practice learning, in accordance with the national requirements for Social Work education for the first year of a postgraduate Social Work course. They will develop skills, knowledge and values through experiential learning supervised by a qualified practice educator. Involvement in practice activities will enable students to demonstrate effective use of knowledge, skills and commitment to core values in social work in a given setting in predominantly less complex situations, with supervision and support. They will be expected to show capacity to work with people in situations where there may not be simple clear-cut solutions.

Issues for Families in Contemporary Society

This module considers key issues for families in the contemporary context, from a social work perspective. The effects of interlinked processes such as poverty, domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health needs, learning disability and physical ill health and disability will be explored, together with their impact on parenting, family functioning and the experience and needs of children.  The module examines the interaction of disadvantage in society, marginalisation, isolation and social exclusion with psychological and social factors that bring children and families to the attention of social workers. Sociological and critical perspectives will be considered, and the impact of demographic change, culture and ethnicity will be explored in relation to social work practice with children and families.

Advanced Social Work Practice with Children and Families

This module will enable students to consolidate their learning from earlier modules and practice placements and integrate this with more advanced learning about social work practice with children and families, including engaging and working in partnership with children, young people and parents, assessment of risk, safeguarding interventions, fostering and adoption issues, and working with children and young people in and leaving care. Effective models practice will be identified as will the relationships between child protection and family support, and outcomes, best practice and early intervention. The nature and role of research and theory in informing interventions, and key messages from research, inquiry reports, serious case reviews and government commissioned reports will be considered.  Students will be supported to develop their understanding and skills in relation to assessment, risk and risk management, professional judgement, decision making and working in complex, unpredictable and emotionally demanding situations, and in developing themselves as critical, reflective, ethical and effective practitioners.  

Simulations from the Centre for Child Protection will be used to support the students’ development of confident practice skills and integration of theory and practice. There will also be practical sessions to develop students’ skills in direct work activities with children and parents. This module links to all 10 statements of the Department for Education Knowledge and Skills Statement for Approved Child and Family Practitioners (2014).

Practice Placement 2 100 days (Step Up)

Students will undertake a period of assessed practice learning, in accordance with the national requirements for Social Work education for the final placement of a postgraduate Social Work programme. They will develop skills, knowledge and values through experiential learning supervised by a qualified practice educator.  Involvement in practice activities will enable students by the end of the final placement to have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and values to work with a range of user groups, and the ability to undertake a range of tasks at a foundation level; the capacity to work with more complex situations; they should be able to work more autonomously, whilst recognising that the final decision will still rest with their supervisor; and they will seek appropriate support and supervision. This module will also contribute to students’ development in relation to all statements of the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Approved Child and Family Practitioners (2014).

Dissertation

On successful completion of the Diploma, students may opt to undertake the Dissertation module to achieve the MA Social Work.  Students are required to have passed the Diploma in full before being allowed to register for the dissertation module.

Programme aims

Skills and experience.

During the assessment centre phases you are required to demonstrate or show the potential to learn quickly and demonstrate:

• familiarity with the  Professional Standards for Social Workers  and the  Professional Capabilities Framework  for social work entry
• the ability to make effective decisions including being comfortable to consult all involved parties to uncover the big picture to make a decision that will most benefit the children and families you are working with
• the ability to take ownership of challenging questions and seek advice from superiors and mentors when complex matters arise
• the ability to handle the strong emotions of others in difficult situations, and make time and space to reflect on personal emotions arising from working with children and families, and to maintain professionalism
• a good level of self-awareness and a motivation for ongoing self-development.
• that you understand social work theory and research.

Study support

Global skills award.

All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our  Global Skills Award Programme . The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.

SSPSSR has a long and distinguished history, and is one of the largest and most successful social science research communities in Europe.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 100% of our Social Work and Social Policy research was classified as ‘world-leading’ or 'internationally excellent' for impact and environment.

Staff research interests

Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website .

General information

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide .

For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from  UKCISA  before applying.

Additional costs

General additional costs.

Find out more about  general additional costs  that you may pay when studying at Kent. 

Please note that students will be required to travel between their home and placement, and will need to have business insurance.

Step Up to Social Work is funded by the Department for Education.

If your application is successful, you will:

• train through a combination of academic study and hands on social work experience in a local authority
• receive a bursary of £19,833 to support you during your training.

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

Unlock your potential with scholarships up to £5,000

Ready to apply?

Recruitment to Step Up to Social Work is managed by the Kent and Medway regional partnership , and applications to Step Up to Social Work must be made through a  central Department for Education application portal .  Please note that applications must be made by noon (UK time) on Monday 3 April.

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https://childrenssocialcare.blog.gov.uk/2023/03/23/the-step-up-to-social-work-journey/

The Step Up to Social Work journey

Step Up to Social Work is a full-time training programme for talented graduates and career changers to become the next generation of child and family social workers supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.

Isaac who joined the Step Up to Social Work programme in January 2022 and graduated this year, shares his journey to becoming a social worker and advice for others on the programme or those thinking of joining.

My previous job was in the British Red Cross refugee service, where I provided refugees, asylum seekers with advice, advocacy and support. I also worked with survivors of human trafficking and exploitation, supporting them to access relevant support and to challenge negative decisions.

I really enjoyed the front-line, people-centric aspects of my role and wanted to continue this. I found out about the Step Up programme through a colleague who was a social worker and she encouraged me to apply. The programme offered me the opportunity to continue supporting vulnerable people, while also providing me with exponential career growth.

Undertaking Step Up has genuinely been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The programme is very well structured and eases participants into social work. The blended nature of study and practice is also beneficial and the staff at my university make the classes interactive, engaging and thought-provoking.

I have enjoyed applying research and academia to practice. My tutors and staff on placement encourage this during placement , as it helps you to think about the wider context when working with families. You are able to analyse how policy, and legislation affects families and how as social workers we can support those who are vulnerable. I have found myself enjoying applying research and academia to practice and taking a theoretical, critically analytical approach has genuinely made me a better social worker.

There is a strong focus within the programme and on placement around anti-discriminatory practice and ensuring that it is at the centre of social work. It has never been more important to think about how people are affected by class, race and gender difference and to work to support them through our practice. One key point of learning for me was around intersectionality. I have used this learning to support those who are more vulnerable to discrimination due to unique characteristics.

The pace of the course is a challenge - it is an intensive 14 months where you are frequently studying whilst working. I found it challenging at first but I’ve learnt to become well organised, which ultimately is a life skill needed for social work! If you throw yourself into the course and give it your best, I guarantee you will enjoy it.

Step Up supports and nurtures you before placement to ensure that you are ready which I found really important. There are always people on hand for advice and support which is also helpful. The course offers you the chance to develop essential skills and attributes required to become a social worker and you will leave well prepared for a role working in social care.

Ultimately, I feel I am really making a real difference and so I would, without a doubt, recommend the course to others.

Further information

The Step Up to Social Work programme is an opportunity to receive support while you are training to start a new career in social work.

On the 14-month training programme, you will receive hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in a local authority whilst undertaking your qualification. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling you to apply to register and practice as a social worker.

The Department for Education covers the cost of your university tuition on the programme and provides a tax-free bursary of £19,833 to support you during your training.

Applications are currently open for 2024 – head to Home | Step Up to Social Work (pocketrecruiter.com) for more information

Further information about how you can become and child and family social worker is on the Education Hub .

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Step Up to Social Work

Step Up to Social Work is a Department for Education-funded, fast-track programme that sees high calibre candidates qualified as Social Workers in 14 months. The programme is designed to support highly skilled graduates into social care. Applications for Cohort 8 have now closed. 

Candidates receive a tax-free bursary payment of £19,833 over the duration of the programme and payment of University fees.

On completion, candidates obtain a postgraduate diploma in Social Work, allowing them to register and practice as a social worker. Step Up is employer-led, delivered by the North, Central, East London Regional Partnership, made up of the London Boroughs of Islington, Hackney, Haringey, Enfield, Camden and Barnet, in collaboration with our academic partner Middlesex University. All of our boroughs are currently rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. We are at the forefront of improving outcomes for children and families with a number of innovative practice models including systemic practice, signs of safety and motivational interviewing. We also offer fantastic opportunities for training and development and support candidates to consolidate academic learning with real-life placement experiences.

Benefits of Step Up

• It’s funded: Step Up students receive a bursary of £19,833 to train and there are no tuition fees to pay meaning it’s a unique opportunity to earn while you learn
• It’s fast-track: after 14 months students qualify as a social worker, can register with Social Work England and are able to seek employment
• It’s employer-led: students are hosted by one of the Local Authorities in the partnership, undertaking 170 days on placement and gaining real social work experience, knowledge and skills in combination with academic study
• It’s a path to employment: upon successful completion of the programme, we aim to support graduates to apply for social work positions within the boroughs of the partnership

Qualifications needed to apply

Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference for vulnerable children and families. Candidates will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener. Candidates will also need good observational skills, analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children. We are looking for strong graduates who have experience of working with children, young people and families and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience. Candidates must have:

• A minimum 2:2 Level 6 degree qualification (in any subject other than Social Work)
• GCSE English or English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or approved equivalent)
• Demonstrate significant experience of either working or substantial volunteering with vulnerable children, young people and/or families/carers or adults

We particularly welcome applications from men and from BAME candidates, as these groups are under-represented in this area of social work.

How to apply

Online applications for Cohort 8 are now closed. If the DfE decide to fund a future Cohort it is likely the application window will open in February 2025 with the programme starting in January 2026.  Applications are managed centrally by the Department for Education , so please refer to their website for any future updates.

What our students say

The North, Central, East London Regional Partnership has supported three cohorts of Step Up students through their programme. Many of our graduates have successfully found employment in our Local Authorities and are now supporting current Step Up students on placement.

Some of our students have said the following about their experience on the programme: “I enjoyed my placements most, being able to work in an adult and child setting and still having the time at university to reflect on what I had learnt whilst on placement… The practice educators were so supportive and I made good use of the regular supervision.” – Paris, Step Up student in Islington Cohort 5 “I have loved being on this course! I have learned more than I thought possible…The support and care from everyone has been unbelievable, everybody wants you to achieve and do well and it really shows.” – Faye, Step Up student in Enfield Cohort 6 “The course offers the perfect blend between academic and practical learning…I’ve been made to feel that the staff are on my side, and really want for me to pass and become a good social worker.” - Michael, Step Up student in Haringey Cohort 6 “The social workers that I have worked with during my placements have been passionate and I have found it inspiring to work alongside them - it has really made me feel that my decision to train as a social worker was the right one.” – Liz, Step Up student in Hackney Cohort 6 “I would advise anybody that was considering applying for Step Up to Social Work to go ahead and apply... Do not doubt yourself, there is no time like the present, if you want to be a social worker it is a great opportunity to learn, gain work experience and qualify at the same time alongside a bursary.” – Shelbie, Step Up student in Barnet Cohort 6 For me, the biggest supporting factor was the promotion of taking care of yourself and prioritising your emotional wellbeing that all facilitators, academics and sponsoring boroughs within the programme have made paramount…We really are a family in this Step Up cohort…It is so great to learn from other students cross-borough and in supervision, and to exchange experiences and ideas. My peers have played an invaluable part in my learning journey.” – Maggie, Step UP student in Haringey Cohort 7 “For me, Step Up has felt like a logical next step and I’ve learnt a lot about the work and myself in the process. There have been points where it has been very intensive but overall I have enjoyed the chance to learn and study again, while also working and applying that learning. It is great to have a group of students in the same position as you and that has been one of the best sources of support.” – Alastair, Step Up student in Islington Cohort 6 “I enjoyed the environment and being able to experience what it is like to work for a local authority and to have the experience of how the life of an honest social worker can be. They don't hold back and give you the whole experience of what being a social worker is like.” – Leticia, Step Up student Barnet Cohort 7 Two of our students from Cohort 6, Amos and Zeeshaan were both interviewed by the DfE about their experiences on Step Up.  Find out what they had to say.  

More information

If you are interested in finding out more about Step Up or whether you are eligible to apply, please read our FAQ’s below. If you have any further questions please contact Claire Bendjillali, Step Up to Social Work Programme Manager at  [email protected] More information about the role of a children’s Social Worker can be found by reading the  Knowledge and Skills Statement  and the  Professional Capabilities Framework .

Frequently Asked Questions about Step Up to Social Work

How is step up to social work different from other social work programmes, what are step up to social work applicants expected to know, how do i apply for step up to social work, what funding is available and do i have to pay course fees.

Students receive a tax free bursary of £19,833 in total, paid over 15 months.   The bursary is paid directly into your bank account.   Your tuition fees are paid by the DfE if you live in England at the time of your studies.   Tuition fees are paid directly to the University.

What qualifications do I need for Step Up to Social Work?

To apply, you need to have a 2:2 degree in any subject other than Social Work. Applicants must also:

• have GCSE in English and Maths at a grade C or above, or equivalent
• have significant relevant experience (voluntary or paid) working with vulnerable children, young people or families for at least 6 months full time, or longer part time

Applicants must be able to provide copies of all qualification certificates. You will be advised nearer the time how and when to provide them. You will not be able to proceed with the assessment centre if you are unable to provide your certificates. The eligibility criteria for Step Up to Social Work is set by the Department for Education. If you do not have the correct qualifications or do not have sufficient relevant work or voluntary experience, then your application will be rejected.

I can’t find my qualification certificates, what should I do?

I have a temporary student visa, can i still apply, can i have a career break from my current employment or can i be seconded to the step up programme from the local authority i can currently employed by, what local authorities in the ncel rp are offering places will i get my first choice local authority, what is the assessment process what does the assessment centre consist of.

If you are successful at the application stage you will be invited to complete a one hour written exercise.   It is expected this will take place in June 2023.   The written exercise is accessed via an online platform.   Further details will be sent to you closer to the time.

You will then be invited to attend the assessment centre.   The assessment centre is expected to take place in June/July 2023.   At the assessment centre there will be a formal interview with a Senior Social Worker or Manager and a University academic, a Practice Scenario (role play) and a Group Exercise.   You will need to pass all 4 assessment elements in order to be offered a place on the programme.

The NCEL RP will be holding the assessment centre virtually.   If you anticipate any difficulties in accessing a virtual assessment centre, you must let the Programme Manager know as soon as possible so that reasonable adjustments can be made.

I will need special equipment and/or reasonable adjustments to access the assessment centre and to undertake the programme – how will I get this?

If you require special equipment and/or reasonable adjustments, we ask that you let the Step Up Programme Manager know at the earliest opportunity so that necessary arrangements can be made.   Once you have been offered a place on the programme, you will need to complete an Occupational Health form where you can declare any requirements.   The University will also be able to refer you to the Occupational Health service once you are a registered student.

Needing special equipment and/or a reasonable adjustment does not prevent you from applying to or gaining a place on the Step Up programme.   We have supported many students who have required reasonable adjustments due to dyslexia, ADHD and physical and mental health conditions for example.   We would always encourage you to be open and honest about any support you may require at the earliest opportunity so that we can ensure the support you need is put in place as soon as possible.

What will happen after I receive an offer?

If i am offered a place but can’t start in january 2024, can i defer my place until the next cohort.

The DfE have agreed funding for Cohort 8 of Step Up to Social Work.   You are unable to defer your place as the DfE have not agreed funding for future cohorts as yet.

I have been placed on the reserve list. What is the likelihood I may be offered a place on the programme?

When will i receive the student bursary contract, where and when is the step up to social work programme taught, will i officially be a student, when will i be on placement what are the hours i am on placement, can i choose where i have my placement, how many days holiday will i have and can i take my holiday at anytime, will i be paid travel expenses during the programme, what financial support am i eligible to apply for, particularly to assist with childcare costs.

To be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare, claimants need to expect to be in paid work. This is shown by earning at least the National Minimum Wage for 16 hours a week on average within three months from that work. As you will receive a bursary, which is a grant and not income from paid employment, the bursary does not qualify. However as a student you may qualify for a childcare grant or student funding through the traditional higher education route. It is your responsibility to assess your finances and explore what financial assistance you may be eligible for. We advise you to do this well in advance of accepting your place on the programme. Further information is available through these links:

• Childcare grant
• Tax free childcare
• Student finance

Can I have a part time job whilst I am on the Step Up programme?

Am i guaranteed a job at the end of the programme, what happens if i am ill or fall pregnant, and need to take a break from the programme, do you have a suggested reading list.

Yes, we will provide you with suggestions for reading at the Keeping Warm days in the Autumn.

Where can I go if I have any further questions?

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The Social Work Assignments Handbook

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The Social Work Assignments Handbook is the complete guide to preparing for, carrying out and writing up a social work assignment or project. Designed to support students through their assignments from beginning to end, each stage is fully explained through friendly advice and practical guidance so that students can feel confident in their work, whether they’re writing up quantitative research findings or carrying out a literature review.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 | 20  pages, preparing to embark on your social work degree, chapter 2 | 14  pages, understanding assessment, chapter 3 | 27  pages, reflection and reflective writing, chapter 4 | 24  pages, developing critical thinking and critical writing skills, chapter 5 | 20  pages, gathering and analysing information, chapter 6 | 21  pages, planning and constructing an assignment.

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• Professional Social Work Practice – Step Up to Social Work

PG Dip Professional Social Work Practice – Step Up to Social Work

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Train as a social worker, on campus and out on placement, on this accelerated postgraduate course. Places are fully funded by the Government.

"Step Up to Social Work has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience for me. I was setting a new career where I could use skills I had developed in previous roles as well as using the learning from my undergraduate degree.

"The course teaching is of a high standard and, while this is an intensive course, there is a great deal of support, as well as extensive overight of your experience while on work placements. This was vital for me as I had never worked within social care before, yet I feel fully prepared for the start of my new career in social work."

Step Up to Social Work student

Applications are now closed for cohort 8 of Step Up to Social Work.

As the course is funded by the Department for Education, we cannot guarantee that the course will run again in 2026.

We do not accept late applications, so please explore our other postgraduate Social Work routes if you missed the deadline.

Step Up to Social Work is a Government-led initiative to encourage graduates with related experience to enter the profession to work with children and families.

It’s validated by Social Work England, so you can register as a social worker when you graduate.

ARU’s Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Social Work Practice – Step Up to Social Work is an intensive 14-month course. You’ll be taught by passionate, knowledgeable tutors and practitioners on our Cambridge campus and gain hands-on experience on placement.

At ARU, we’ll support you to integrate your postgraduate academic study with the practical skills and experience you need to become an effective social worker.

Blocks of time will be spent studying on campus, where service users and practitioners will join us to provide a real-life context for your learning. University-based teaching sessions take place in January to mid-February and end of July to beginning of September. There is also an on-campus day per month during the rest of your course.

Each semester you’ll spend time in practice placements in children’s and adult services. Placements total 170 days and take place with local authorities in the Eastern Regional Partnership. The participating partners for Cohort 8 are Cambridgeshire County Council, Peterborough City Council, Essex County Council, Norfolk County Council Suffolk County Council, Thurrock Council and Southend on Sea Borough Council.

You’ll be supported by your link local authority and personal tutor, and have access to bespoke study skills support. We’ll also help you link up with former students and partnership colleagues to encourage you to think about where you want to work in the future.

The application window for Cohort 8 of this course will open between February and March 2023. This course is run by the Department for Education and applications are processed via their web page .

Please follow us on Twitter where information about Step Up is also shared.

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As a Step up to Social Work student with ARU you’ll benefit from:

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• 170 days on placements, identified by us to develop your skills and interests
• enhanced support that’s specially tailored for students on this intensive course.

Social Work England

Our Professional Social Work Practice - Step Up to Social Work course is approved by Social Work England , so you can register as a social worker when you graduate.

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Completing the ARU Professional Social Work Practice – Step Up to Social Work postgraduate diploma will enable you to register and practise as a social worker.

With this qualification you’ll be able to work in a wide range of settings including local authorities, housing organisations, voluntary and private sector projects, schools and health settings.

While the aim of this course is to train you to become a social worker with children and families, its broad content gives you the versatility to be able to consider other options. For example working with adults, people with mental ill health, learning or physical disabilities, those who have committed criminal offences, who misuse drugs or alcohol, or who live in communal settings.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. After completing this course, you can opt to take an additional dissertation based module and gain a full Masters degree in Social Work  at ARU. This element is self-funded.

"Step Up is a fantastic course. You will learn lots, build upon the skills you already have and be fully supported throughout the journey."

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What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?

It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work

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President Biden's disappointing performance in his June 27 debate with Donald Trump has dragged his second-in-command, Vice President Kamala Harris, back into the spotlight. She was already struggling to prove her worth as a running mate despite her lackluster approval ratings and criticisms over how she has defined her role so far. Now, Harris is faced with defending her running mate while being floated as one of his possible replacements.

Harris has been "central to conversations among some Democrats about whether Biden should step aside," said The Hill , "a move that would likely move Harris to the top of the ticket in November." The situation has put Harris in a "tricky spot" as she tries to "reassure nervous Democrats about their chances in this year's election while positioning herself as a potential future leader of the party." 

What has Biden done as president? Is Kamala Harris an asset or liability for Democrats in 2024? Is a Biden-Harris ticket what Democrats want?

It is not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work. Harris' "critics and detractors alike acknowledge that the vice presidency is intended to be a supporting role," The New York Times said, and "many of her predecessors have labored to make themselves relevant, as well." Still, those wary of Biden's age are putting more intense scrutiny on what the vice president has been up to. She has taken the lead on several critical contentious issues while Biden focuses his efforts elsewhere.

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Abortion rights

Abortion has become a central issue for Democrats following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn federal abortion rights. Harris spent much of the 2022 midterms appealing to voters with promises to prioritize and protect reproductive rights. Since Roe fell, she has "been subtly making herself the voice with a megaphone no one can ignore," said Philip Elliott at Time , adding that Harris has met with lawmakers from at least 18 states to discuss the issue. As Biden announced his 2024 candidacy, Harris gave a fiery speech at a reproductive freedom rally at her alma mater, Howard University. She blasted "extremist so-called leaders" for passing restrictive abortion bans.

She needs a serious reputation boost, "which explains why Harris has made abortion rights a central piece of her political identity," Elliott continued. After all, outrage over Roe v. Wade "powered Democratic candidates to unexpectedly strong showings in the midterm elections," and many believe Harris "played no small role in that accomplishment," Elliott said.

This year, Harris continued to put abortion at the forefront of her work. In March 2024, she toured a Planned Parenthood clinic in Minnesota that provides abortion services. The White House said it was the first time in U.S. history that a president or vice president has visited a clinic that provides abortion services. The tour was the sixth stop on her "Fight for Reproductive Freedoms" tour, which she started in January to "push for more abortion access in the wake of the overruling of Roe v. Wade," said NBC News .

Immigration and the southern border

Biden tapped Harris in the early months of their term to spearhead efforts to address the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. It took her months to make her first and only visit to the area, and the delay elicited backlash from lawmakers on both sides . Her trip to Guatemala and Mexico was ultimately overshadowed by an interview with Lester Holt of NBC News where she "awkwardly downplayed the urgency" of the visit, The Washington Post said. Since then, Harris has borne the brunt of the criticism from Republicans as the border crisis worsens; Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) sent multiple buses of asylum seekers from the border to the VP's home in protest.

After withstanding the intense backlash of her perceived inaction, Harris is still attempting to address the root causes of the immigration problem. Her Central America Forward initiative has "yielded more than $4.2 billion in private sector commitments" to support creating local jobs and other measures to slow the flow of mass migration, CNN said last year. Some experts have lauded Harris' ability to secure the investments "as her most visible action in the region to date but have cautioned about the durability of those investments over the long term," CNN said.

Harris still has an uphill battle ahead of her to reverse public opinion about her work, or lack thereof, on the border. In January 2023, the Border Patrol union lambasted her lack of progress. "If you were given a job two years ago with the explicit goal of reducing illegal immigration, and then you sit around and do nothing while illegal immigration explodes to levels never seen before, you should be fired and replaced," the union said on X .

Voting rights

Harris was also at the forefront of the administration's pursuit to codify voting rights protections. She pushed for Congress to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act , which would have extended the protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and required federal approval for some local election law changes. The VP "dove into" the "chance to make her mark on a hugely important issue," Eugene Daniels said in   Politico . To further that goal, Harris "helped craft political coalitions with civil rights leaders, built outside pressure on Congress, and engaged privately with lawmakers." Ultimately, her work "hit a brick wall" when Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and now-independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.) rejected proposed changes to Senate procedures to stop a Republican filibuster.

Harris' work leading up to the stalled legislation became "a microcosm of her stint as vice president: one defined by sharp moments, mishaps, public drama, private work and a touch of bad political luck," Daniels said.

What's next for Harris?

The vice president's political skills "will be put to the test" as the president runs for reelection, said Chris Megerian at The Associated Press . While the second-in-command is "rarely decisive in reelection efforts, Harris is poised to be an exception," especially because she is already leading the charge on abortion, "Democrats' most potent issue." As Biden ages, she'll face heightened "scrutiny over whether she's ready to step into the top job if necessary," Megerian said.

With such high stakes, "Biden needs to make the case to his party — and, more important, to independents and moderate Republicans — why Harris is the best choice to succeed him," Thomas Friedman said in The New York Times . "At the same time, Harris has to make the case for herself, ideally by showing more forcefully what she can do."

After a special counsel's report intensified scrutiny over Biden's " age and cognitive decline ," Democrats need to discuss "the Kamala problem," said Mark Hemingway at The Federalist. Harris is "an almost complete nonentity" regarding policy but is still "actively disliked by voters." And while Democrats will not replace her, that would be "the smart political move," Hemingway said. A running mate "who's able to vigorously campaign could be the difference between Biden's reelection and Trump: The Revenging."

Biden hasn't shown interest in exiting the race following June's first presidential debate debacle , but if he did, the "likeliest alternative to the current ticket remains one led by Harris," The Wall Street Journal said. That path carries significant risk because "Harris' poll numbers are roughly as lackluster as Biden's," but she is "popular enough among Democrats — particularly among women and Black voters — that casting her aside could cause resentment and division within the party." If Biden chooses to stay on the ticket, Harris will be "under even more pressure to prove to voters she is ready to serve if needed." 

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Theara Coleman has worked as a staff writer at The Week since September 2022. She frequently writes about technology, education, literature and general news. She was previously a contributing writer and assistant editor at Honeysuckle Magazine, where she covered racial politics and cannabis industry news. 

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