You could do a degree in social work approved by Social Work England.

You could also do a postgraduate degree in social work, if you have a degree in another subject. A postgraduate degree normally takes 2 years.

You might also be able to get a social work bursary.

Some universities offer a combined master's degree in nursing and social work (MNSW). You can check Social Work England to find information about approved courses.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

You could apply to do a Social Worker Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes around 3 years to complete and is a mix of work placements and academic study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

You'll need experience of working with vulnerable groups or children to apply for most courses or jobs.

To get skills and experience, you could:

• apply to be a social work assistant or family support worker
• work in the community through a charity
• find volunteering opportunities through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT

Graduate training scheme

You could do an intensive, work-based training programme to gain a master's degree or postgraduate diploma in social work. To apply you'll need at least a 2:2 (second class) degree.

Current programmes to support children and families include:

• Approach Social Work
• Step Up to Social Work

You'll need:

• a desire to help people
• sensitivity and understanding
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You might need a driving license and your own transport. 

As a social worker, your duties will depend on the age groups you work with. For example, you might:

• meet individuals and families to review their needs and make support plans
• give emotional and practical support to clients
• build trust and confidence with young people to support their wellbeing
• help clients develop and maintain independent living skills
• keep clients safe and take action to protect them when necessary
• work closely with communities, health professionals and other agencies
• keep accurate records, write reports and review cases with your supervisors

You could work in an office, in the community, at an adult care home, at a children's care home or in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.