The degree, which replaces the Diploma in Social Work, has been introduced to encompass greater practical experience and to improve the skills base and competence of newly-qualified social workers.

The General Social Care Council, which is responsible for upholding and promoting high quality social work practice, has accredited universities to offer the new social work degree and approved social work degree courses.

Chief Executive of the General Social Care Council, Lynne Berry, said, “Good quality services starts with good quality training. The GSCC is working with universities to ensure that tomorrow’s social workers are clear about the standards they are expected to meet, inspire public confidence in social care and are able to work successfully with colleagues from other professions. The new degree will ensure that newly qualified social workers have all the skills they need to begin successful careers.”

Middlesex University has been accredited by the General Social Care Council and the first students started on the degree course last week. Curriculum Leader and Principal Lecturer at Middlesex University, Helen Cosis Brown, is confident about the new degree.

“The new degree is all about professional practice and the academic element has been structured to support effective practice learning. Students will qualify with more hands-on experience than newly-qualified social workers before them.

“Employers and service users can be confident that newly-qualified social workers will be appropriately skilled for social work practice.”

During the degree all students will complete a minimum of 200 days practice placement in at least two practice settings, will gain experience of legal intervention and will provide services to at least two different users groups.

Bob James, a 35-year old student at Middlesex University who has been working in the social care sector for 12 years, is looking forward to his study.

“I’m confident the degree will complement and refine the experience I already have and give me with the credibility to further my work with young people. I’m looking forward to completing my practice placement so that I can learn and benefit from the techniques and skills used in other social care settings.”

Sixty-six universities have been accredited to offer the new degree and it is expected that almost 2,500 students will begin the degree this Autumn.

Accreditation of institutions and course approval is a new development this year. Its purpose is to ensure that the course is fit for purpose and will develop in students the knowledge, skills and competence required for a career in social work.

The degree brings with it other welcome changes. For the first time, postgraduate and undergraduate social work students who are eligible, will receive a bursary through the General Social Care Council worth an average of £3,000.

Students will also be able to learn in new ways through the introduction of skills laboratories. Universities will receive grants through the General Social Care Council to establish skills laboratories which integrate classroom and practice learning by providing an environment in which students can practice and develop their core professional skills.