Social Work Careers
Last reviewed: September 2026
Social workers support children, adults, families and communities when people need help, protection or practical support. They work alongside the people using services, carers and professionals from health, education, housing and other organisations. The work can include assessment, planning, safeguarding, advocacy, record keeping and coordinating support.
How do you become a social worker in England?
For practice in England, the qualifying route must lead to an approved social work qualification and registration with Social Work England. Use its search for approved courses before applying. The best route depends on your existing qualifications, degree status, work experience and the opportunities available at the time you apply.
| Route | Who it may suit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Approved undergraduate degree | Applicants preparing for their first degree. | Each university’s entry criteria, course approval, placements and selection process. |
| Postgraduate qualifying route | Graduates with a previous degree who meet the provider’s requirements. | The degree classification, relevant experience, funding and the approved qualification awarded. |
| Level 6 degree apprenticeship | People able to secure an employed apprenticeship position. | The employer vacancy, training provider, employment terms and approved social work outcome. |
| Graduate training route | Eligible graduates interested in selected work-based programmes. | The current eligibility, location, sector focus and application timetable of programmes such as Approach Social Work or Step Up to Social Work. |
The Department for Education’s ways to qualify as a social worker guide compares these routes for England. It explains that qualifying training includes practice learning in more than one setting; arrangements, durations and selection criteria vary by route and provider. For the apprenticeship standard, see Social Worker (integrated degree) on Skills England.
Using an Access to HE Diploma as preparation
Academy Online Learning’s Access to Social Work course is an academic preparation route for adults who need a Level 3 qualification before applying to higher education. It is not a social work degree, does not give eligibility for professional registration and contains no professional placements. The approved degree, postgraduate route or apprenticeship provides the professional training and assessed practice learning needed to qualify.
Before choosing an Access route, read the exact entry requirements on each degree course page. Our Social Work degree entry requirements guide explains what to compare, including the qualifications, grades and experience a provider may ask for. If you are deciding between preparation routes, read Access to HE versus a Social Work foundation year.
What is the work like?
Social workers may work in local authorities, NHS settings, charities, schools, care services, the justice system or other community settings. Areas of practice include children and families, adults, mental health, disability, older people, safeguarding, fostering and adoption. Day-to-day work varies by employer and role, but often requires thoughtful communication, sound judgement, resilience, accurate records and collaborative working.
As a general guide, the National Careers Service social worker profile lists typical pay of £32,000 for starters to £48,000 for experienced workers, and typical hours of 37 to 45 a week. These figures are not a promise: pay, hours, shift patterns and local allowances vary by employer, role, location and experience. Reviewed 10 September 2026.
After qualifying
Once an approved course is complete, graduates in England apply to join the Social Work England register. Employers may offer an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) to newly qualified social workers. With experience, social workers can progress into specialist practice, practice education, supervision, leadership, research, teaching, consultancy or policy work. Registration and continuing professional development requirements remain important throughout practice.
Funding and practical planning
Funding depends on the route, location, provider, personal circumstances and current rules. Check the official student finance extra-help guidance and the current social work bursary and education support grant information packs before relying on any support. Neither Access study nor a qualifying route automatically makes someone eligible for a particular payment.