Behind every safeguarding decision, every care assessment, every child protection plan is a social worker who chose to show up for the most vulnerable people in society. The Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) is the qualification that takes adult returners into that work, through a university Social Work BA (Hons) and Social Work England registration.
This Level 3 qualification is awarded by OCN London, a QAA-recognised Access Validating Agency. It is for adults aged 19 and over who want to study Social Work at a UK university without the A level qualifications traditionally expected. UK universities accept it in place of A levels for Social Work BA (Hons) entry.
You will study 60 credits covering social policy, safeguarding law, sociology, human development, psychology, research methods, and the ethical framework of social work practice. By the end of the diploma you will be able to write with academic precision and engage critically with the evidence on social care.
Studied 100% online over 12 months, with no exams. Assessment is entirely through essays, case study analyses, policy critiques, and a final research project. Your tutor provides written feedback within 2 working days on every submission.
Social workers are among the most in-demand professionals in UK local authorities. Newly qualified social workers earn £28,000 to £34,000, rising to £45,000 and above with experience and specialism.
You earn up to 144 UCAS points. Most UK Social Work BA (Hons) programmes ask for 96 to 120 points, a solid Merit profile on the diploma achieves this comfortably. Some universities also consider relevant voluntary or professional experience, and we support you in identifying those opportunities.
Start anytime. Pay £99 a month interest-free. Study around your existing life. The role of a social worker is one of the most challenging and most important in the UK, and this is your route to it.
