How to become a social worker in the UK

CONTENTS

1. Routes to becoming a social worker

2. What qualifications do you need to become a social worker?

3. Fastest way to become a social worker

4. Can you become a social worker without a degree?

5. How long does it take to become a social worker?

6. What skills do you need to become a social worker?

7. Finding work experience

8. How to get a job as a social worker

9. What it’s like to be a social worker – and what salary can you expect?

10. Frequently asked questions about becoming a social worker

Routes to becoming a social worker

Social work is a rewarding job area as you help people find solutions to their issues and live happier and safer lives. Watch this video from our sister site Whatuni for a quick overview of what it takes to become social worker, and what it’s like to study for a social work degree.

Why become a social worker?

Social work is one of the most meaningful careers you can choose. You'll work directly with children, adults and families to protect vulnerable people, improve lives and champion their rights. It's a career that offers real variety — no two days look the same — and strong job security, with demand for qualified social workers remaining high across the UK.

If you're motivated by making a genuine difference and want a profession with clear routes for progression, social work could be the right path for you.

What qualifications do you need to become a social worker?

To become a social worker in the UK, you’ll need an approved degree or certification in social work. You can choose from various options at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These include degree apprenticeships and fast-track graduate programmes.

All approved courses involve different social work practices, where you learn about ethics, laws, assessments, mental health, disability and more. They usually include practical placements with clients in social work settings.

An interest and understanding of social work are key for all programmes. You may also need experience caring for people.

Funding is available for different programmes. Look into different course providers to find what’s available.

Undergraduate degrees

Undergraduate degrees in social work usually last three to four years if studied full-time, longer if studied part-time. To find the best university for a social work degree in the UK, check the latest Social Work rankings from the Complete University Guide.

Our Social Work subject guide has a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect from a social work degree, along with degree options and entry requirements.

Degree apprenticeships

Degree apprenticeships show you how to be a social worker on the job, alongside academic study. The employer will pay you for your work, and you spend less time at university than on a standard undergraduate degree.

In England, this is known as a Social worker (integrated degree) (level 6). Social Work Graduate Apprenticeships are also available in Scotland.

You usually apply for a social work degree apprenticeship through the healthcare provider you’ll be working with. Level 3 qualifications are required.

Postgraduate degrees

You can study for a postgraduate programme in social work if you have an undergraduate degree in any subject.

Both master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas are available. These can last up to two years if you study full-time, or six if you study part-time.

Fastest way to become a social worker

Another option if you already have a degree in any subject (except social work) is a fast-track graduate programme. These combine academic study with extensive practical work experience.

Fast-track options include:

• Approach Social Work (formerly Frontline) – a three-year programme in child protection.
• Step up to Social Work – a 14-month programme that runs every two years; you’ll need a degree in any subject except social work to be eligible, plus six months’ experience in a relevant setting.

Another fast-track programme was Think Ahead, but as of 2026 it is no longer funded by the government.

Can you become a social worker without a degree?

In the UK, you can't work as a registered social worker without a recognised qualification. However, this doesn't always mean you need a traditional three-year degree. There are several routes available depending on your current qualifications and circumstances.

If you have a degree in another subject, you can study for a postgraduate qualification in Social work (an MA, MSc or postgraduate diploma). Or you could apply to a fast-track programme such as Approach Social work or Step Up to Social work (see above).

If you don't have a degree, a social work degree apprenticeship could be the right route. You'll earn a salary while studying and qualify without taking on tuition fee debt. You apply through the employer (usually a local authority or healthcare provider) rather than directly through UCAS.

If you have no qualifications at all, you would first need to work towards Level 3 qualifications before applying for a degree or apprenticeship. Volunteering or paid work in a care or support setting is a strong first step and can strengthen your application considerably.

How long does it take to become a social worker?

The time it takes to qualify as a social worker depends on the route you choose:

• Undergraduate degree – typically three to four years full-time (longer part-time)
• Postgraduate degree or diploma – up to two years full-time, or up to six years part-time.
• Degree apprenticeship – usually three to four years, combining study with paid work.
• Fast-track programmes (e.g. Approach Social Work or Step Up to Social Work) – between 14 months and three years.

Once you've completed an approved qualification, you'll need to register with the relevant regulator for your country before you can practise.

What skills do you need to become a social worker?

Personal qualities such as empathy and resilience are just as important as formal qualifications when it comes to being a social worker. Typical skills that you’ll need to be successful in your role include:

• Ability to work under pressure in challenging situations
• Organisation and time management
• Social and cultural sensitivity
• Empathy and compassion
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Resilience

Finding work experience

When applying for a social work course or job, you may need relevant work experience. This could be in either a voluntary or paid position. Places where you could volunteer include:

• Residential homes
• Day centres
• Youth clubs
• Nurseries
• Schools or special needs units
• Charities for victim support, homelessness or people with disabilities, for example

Experience could also include caring for a friend or relative.

How to get a job as a social worker

After you’ve successfully completed an approved degree, you can register as a practitioner with your relevant country’s regulators. These are:

• Social Work England
• Northern Ireland Social Care Council
• Scottish Social Services Council
• Social Care Wales

Then you can apply for jobs as a professional social worker. To stay on the register, you must keep your skills up to date and pay an annual fee.

You can look for job opportunities online, on job boards like jobs.communitycare.co.uk and local council websites. For even broader social work job opportunities, you could take extra training in areas such as counselling.

You can also join the British Association of Social workers (BASW), which helps you with your professional development, networking, and related events.

What it’s like to be a social worker – and what salary can you expect?

Social workers, especially those in the NHS, often work a 37.5-hour week – sometimes including evenings and weekends. Social workers work in environments like hospitals, care homes, prisons and offices. You could spend time travelling to different clients, sometimes in their homes. Daily tasks vary but can include:

• Visiting clients and working out what support they need
• Working with clients to help them make positive changes
• Organising extra support for clients and referring to other services
• Keeping up-to-date and extensive records

You could work alone or as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Other professionals you might work alongside include other social workers, doctors, nurses, school staff and prison or probation workers.

Social worker salary in the UK

Local authority social workers (the most common route) can expect to earn roughly:

• Newly qualified (ASYE year): £32,000–£35,000
• Social worker (2–5 years' experience): £36,000–£42,000
• Senior social worker: £43,000–£46,000
• Advanced practitioner / team manager: £48,000–£60,000
• Head of service: £63,000–£69,000

Pay rates vary depending on the authority and geographic location. In some areas, salaries for newly qualified social workers can be over £40,000.

NHS social workers are paid according to the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay bands. Most qualified social workers start at Band 6, progressing to Band 7 and above for senior roles:

• Band 6 (Social worker): £38,683–£46,580
• Band 7 (Senior Social worker): £47,810–£54,710
• Band 8a (Team Leader / Principal Social worker): £55,690–£62,682

Social workers in London receive a High Cost Area Supplement on top of their basic salary.

Demand for social workers is high in the UK, especially in children's services and mental health. These fields may provide better salaries and extra bonuses in hard-to-fill areas.

Is a role as a social worker right for you?

Social work can be challenging, as you often work directly with children, adults and families in traumatic situations. Despite this, it’s a highly rewarding profession. You’ll be protecting vulnerable people, helping to improve their happiness and wellbeing, and fighting for their health and rights.

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