Content

Social workers support and protect society’s most deprived and vulnerable people. This challenging and rewarding role requires high levels of commitment and motivation. The OU offers a work-based distance learning route to the degree for those in Scotland eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). Successful graduates can apply for SSSC registration as qualified social workers, working in children’s, adult or justice services. To enrol, you’ll need at least one year's experience supporting service users and carers. You'll need to be released from your substantive post to undertake two contrasting 90-day placements. It should be assumed that these placements will not be in your substantive role. The programme is available to sponsored and independent students.

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.