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A career as a Social Worker offers a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on others’ lives. In this role, you support vulnerable individuals in your community.
While challenging, your efforts can help remove people from harmful situations and place them on personalised care plans. Social work focuses on support, aiming to enhance the lives of those in need.
If social work interests you, the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work) is an ideal starting point. This diploma provides knowledge equivalent to three A Levels, typically required for a social work degree.
As a Social Worker, your support varies based on individual needs. The diploma teaches you to understand why people need external support and recognise signs of risk.
Your studies will cover:
These topics build a strong foundation for further study. For more details, see the ‘Modules’ tab.
A key advantage of this online course is its flexibility, allowing you to study from home on your terms.
The Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work) is a Level 3 qualification, recognised and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
This online course offers flexibility to fit your current commitments. Whether you have a job or childcare duties, you can complete the course around your schedule.
You’ll receive an Individual Learning Plan with assignment deadlines to keep you on track. You have up to two years to complete the diploma, though most students finish within nine months.
*Please note that university entry requirements vary. Verify with your chosen institution that your qualification will be accepted before enrolling.
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
(a) development
(b) memory
(c) attention
(d) perception
(e) language and thought
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Upon successful completion of this module, you will:
Alongside the qualification units, you’ll complete short introductory tasks at the beginning of your course to enhance your academic study skills.
The course is funded through an Advanced Learner Loan or, in some cases, Adult Skills Funding, allowing eligible learners aged 19 and over to cover study costs without upfront payments.
If you complete your Access to HE Diploma and then a degree, the loan is entirely forgiven—you won’t have to repay it.
This offers a unique, affordable opportunity for adults aiming for university. Check your eligibility and ensure your chosen university accepts the diploma for your degree program.
Please note: You are eligible for only one Advanced Learner Loan for Access to Higher Education. If you have previously taken an Advanced Learner Loan for Access to Higher Education, you cannot apply for another.
You may take up to four Advanced Learner Loans. If you have used an Advanced Learner Loan for a different Level 3 course, you can still apply for another one for Access to Higher Education.
This qualification comprises various units, each ending with an assignment. You’ll submit your work to your tutor for marking and personalised feedback.
To earn the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work), you need 60 credits:
You’ll also complete short introductory tasks at the start of the course to develop your academic study skills.
Additionally, you’ll receive guidance on your university application and research to maximise your diploma experience.
Upon completing the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work) (QAA aim code: 40011963), you’ll receive a Level 3 diploma from Skills & Education Group Access, recognised by the QAA. The program also offers guidance on your university application and research to maximise your diploma benefits.
Skills & Education Group Access, an agency with a strong social mission, recognises achievements, especially for those with limited prior educational opportunities, supporting learners, providers, businesses, and communities in progressing to higher education.
An Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work) and a subsequent social work degree open doors to diverse careers. Social work encompasses various fields, allowing you to focus on supporting children, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, those with mental health issues, or people dealing with substance abuse.
Social Workers can specialise in sectors such as:
Your role will depend on your chosen focus. Training provides opportunities to work with different at-risk groups, helping you decide where to direct your career in social services.
Graduates can pursue roles like:
Social work offers numerous paths for career progression. You can specialise further, take on organisational roles, or study leadership and management to advance to positions like Senior Social Worker or director.
Returning to university for postgraduate qualifications can enhance your career. You could become an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) or a Best Interests Assessor (BIA). Alternatively, studying the ProfDE with the British Association of Social Workers can lead to:
No, you must complete a social work degree to become a qualified Social Worker.
Yes! Access to HE Diplomas are specifically designed for learners without A Levels to gain university entry.
Most universities accept this qualification instead of A Levels, but it’s important to verify with your chosen university before enrolling.
Yes, you can enrol in the Access to HE Diploma without GCSEs or any other qualifications. However, you will need them when applying to university.
If you lack Maths and English GCSEs, consider studying Functional Skills Level 2 courses, which offer GCSE grade equivalents and can be completed in just a few weeks.
Absolutely! Your study package includes assistance and guidance with your university application, ensuring you present yourself well when the time comes. We also offer tips on maximising the benefits of your Access to HE Diploma, enhancing your chances of success in your studies.
You have up to two years to complete the Access to HE Diploma (Social Work). However, with no classes or fixed schedules, you can study at your own pace. If you can dedicate sufficient time to your studies, you might finish the course much sooner.
The minimum completion time is six months, with most learners completing it within 9-12 months.
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