Content

Want to make a difference in people’s lives? Social work is both challenging and rewarding, supporting and protecting society’s most deprived and vulnerable people. Our work-based online learning route is for those in Scotland eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). Successful graduates can apply for registration as qualified social workers in children’s, adult or justice services. If you’ve got a year’s experience supporting service users and carers, and can be released from your role for two contrasting work placements, this could be the perfect next step for you. Sponsored and independent students are welcome.

Entry Requirements

This degree course is restricted to students with at least one year experience in social care working alongside service users and carers in Scotland. Applications are welcomed from sponsored and non-sponsored (independent) students who are eligible to apply.

Eligible students currently studying K123 (or have done so in the previous 2 years) are contacted to note their interest in applying and will be sent an application pack. The deadline for applications for the independent route is 11 April 2025. For sponsored students, please discuss with your employing agency for further information regarding entry stage and application deadlines.

Employing agencies and individuals who are interested in this degree should contact the Social Work Co-ordinator at The Open University in Scotland at scotland@open.ac.uk.

All candidates for the degree must: have a qualification at the level of National 5 English and Maths and show that they can communicate clearly in spoken and written English.

You must demonstrate that you have the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be social workers and take part in an interview.

They must also register with the SSSC as a student social worker. Registration with the SSSC includes a Disclosure Scotland check.

Progression Routes

On successful completion of the necessary courses, you will be awarded a BA (Hons) in Social Work (Scotland) degree. You will be entitled to use the letters BA (Hons) after your name.

An honours degree in social work is now the professional award for all social workers. Once you have successfully completed the award you are entitled to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a social worker.