How to become a social worker
Find out how to become a social worker in the UK, including how long it takes to qualify.
Information is correct as at October 2025. Before deciding whether to pursue a career, contact your college careers service for the most up-to-date guidance.
How to get into social work
Social workers provide guidance and support to people when they are experiencing a difficult period in their life. They also ensure that vulnerable people are safeguarded from harm.
Social workers can work in areas including:
- hospitals (working with patients)
- local authorities (working with children and families, the homeless, people with mental health diagnoses, people with substance misuse issues and people experiencing domestic abuse)
- prisons (working with adults and young offenders)
- residential care (working with people with learning difficulties, the elderly, or those with physical disabilities).
.
Qualifications required
To qualify in England, you will need either an undergraduate, degree apprenticeship or postgraduate degree in social work approved by .
You could also take an undergraduate degree in another subject and train while you work with , or .
When you have completed your social work degree you may be able to apply for registration with , the professional regulator for social workers in England. If your application is successful you’ll become a registered social work practitioner. Throughout your career, you’ll need to attend regular training to keep up-to-date with social work developments and practices.
How to get a degree in social work
To be eligible for a degree in social work, you must have a GCSE (or equivalent) in English, with grade 4 (or grade C) or above. You will also need two or three A-levels (or equivalent) for an undergraduate degree.
You will also need to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and have a health check as part of the application process.
Find out how to apply for a Social Work course at 黄色短视频.
Part of the application process consists of an interview. Read up on how to prepare for a Social Work interview.
Skills required
To be a social worker you will need a number of core skills. These include:
- communication (especially listening skills)
- empathy
- problem solving and decision making
- advocacy
- an ability to write accurate and factual assessment reports
- critical reflection and analysis
- time management and organisational skills
- an ability to work under pressure in challenging environments.
.
Earning potential of a social worker
£28kstarting salary (but this depends on your employer)
£48kaverage salary (for an experienced social worker, depending on your employer)
37hours a week (but hours are variable with some evening and weekend work)
3 years is how long it takes to become a social worker, although this does vary and depends on whether you decide to study a postgraduate degree or need to take on further training with your employer
How to get experience in social work
Relevant work experience (voluntary or paid) is always an advantage when applying for a postgraduate social work course. It may also be beneficial to get work experience even if you’re applying for an undergraduate course.
You may be able to look for paid or voluntary work experience positions in hospitals, youth clubs or other charitable organisations. Try looking for positions through the .
Specialist roles in social work
You can see some of the popular social work roles below.
- How to become a child or family social worker
Child or family social workers help to support families or children when they are going through difficult times. For example, if a child is placed in foster care.
They also put measures in place to safeguard children who are at risk of harm.
See the qualifications needed to qualify as a social worker. When you are qualified as a social worker, you can apply for jobs in various areas including children services.
When you have this experience, you may be able to choose to continue your training and specialise in a particular area of child or family social work, such as adoption, fostering or child protection work.
- How to become a clinical or mental health social worker
Clinical social workers primarily work for NHS trusts in hospitals. They support hospital patients by working on safe discharge plans, helping families when a loved one is in hospital, carrying out mental capacity assessments and working closely with medical staff to advocate the patient’s best interests.
Mental health social workers (MHSWs) work with people who have severe mental health needs. They help them to live independently and manage their work, financial, relationship, housing and health situations. Many adult MHSWs work in the NHS, but can also be employed by local authorities or the voluntary sector.
See the qualifications needed to qualify as a social worker. When you are qualified as a social worker, you may be able to apply for jobs in various areas including health.
.
Studying at 黄色短视频
If you choose to study your degree at 黄色短视频, you’ll benefit from:
- careers support for up to three years after you graduate
- the chance to join our alumni network
- mentoring schemes so you get real-world advice, support and experience while you study.