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Step up to social work programme

Applications now open

What is the step up to work programme?

The step up to social work programme from the Department for Education seeks to increase the number of excellent social workers working in local authorities. The programme has successfully supported over 2,900 social workers to enter the profession.

Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families.

More about the programme

The step up to social work programme is a unique opportunity to receive support while you are training to start a new career in social work.

It is designed for people who want to become a social worker but do not have a degree in social work.

On the 14-month training programme, you will receive hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in a local authority whilst undertaking your qualification.

Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a postgraduate diploma in social work enabling you to apply to register and practice as a social worker.

Entry criteria

  • Six months’ full-time (or equivalent) experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, carers or vulnerable adults (paid or voluntary)
  • Minimum 2:2 degree qualification (level 6)
    Please note: For some local authority areas, final year students will be eligible to apply with a minimum 2:2 predicted grade. For all other local authority areas, you must have completed your degree programme to apply.
  • GCSE in English or English language at grade 4 (C) or above (or an approved equivalent)
    Please note: For some local authority areas, there will also be a requirement to have a GCSE in mathematics (or an approved equivalent)
  • Show all of your original certificates during the application and assessment process. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online.

Details of specific local authority eligibility criteria can be found on the step up to social work website.

Funding

The Department for Education covers the cost of your university tuition on the programme and provides a tax-free bursary of £21,995 paid over the duration of the programme to support you during your training. 

Ready, steady, step up!

Applications for the step up to social work programme open on 17 February 2025 with assessment centres scheduled for June/July 2025.

The programme will begin in January 2026. Please note: the programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding. If you meet the eligibility requirement, make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.

Find out more