Qualifications in social care

Children's social workers

To work with children as a qualified social worker, staff must hold a Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) or an equivalent social work qualification such as a BA honours degree in social work. These degree courses have replaced the DipSW programmes, though the diploma and its equivalents are still recognised as professional qualifications.
The full-time degree course takes three years, but graduate entrants can apply to take a masters degree in social work, which generally takes two years.
Applicants with relevant work experience and the minimum academic criteria can apply to the Regional Trainee Scheme, where students are employed and paid by a local authority while taking their degree.
In Northern Ireland, applicants with a relevant degree may be eligible to apply for the accelerated route, finishing the social work degree in two years. Within the next few years, everyone in Northern Ireland involved in social work and social care services will be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC). This means they will meet agreed standards of conduct, practice, training and education. For information on courses and training, contact the NISCC at www.niscc.info