Become a social worker

This section of the website is for those interested in a career in social work, and for students already enrolled on a GSCC-approved social work course.

Social work helps people to live more successfully within their local communities by helping them find solutions to their problems. To succeed, social workers must work not only with people who use services, but with their families, neighbours and friends as well as with other organisations such as the police, the NHS and schools.

In 2003, professional qualifying training for social workers in the United Kingdom changed to a degree in social work. In England, these are approved by the General Social Care Council (GSCC).

The diploma in social work (DipSW) and all other 'predecessor' social work qualifications will continue to be recognised as valid social work qualifications.

A list of approved universities and colleges is available in this section, along with their contact details. This list will show you which courses are approved by the GSCC. You can contact the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), or get in touch directly with the university or college, to find out more about the course and how to apply.

Bursaries are available to social work students and are administered by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA). If you have any queries about bursaries or student funding - for instance, if you wish to know whether you will be entitled to a bursary, or how to apply for one - then you should contact the NHSBSA directly. Click here to go to their social work bursary website, or call them on 0845 6101122.

You can also find out more information about how to train as a social worker at www.socialworkcareers.co.uk or by calling 0845 604 6404.