Social workers are in high demand. If you’re thinking of joining this profession, you can be confident in your ability to secure a fulfilling role.
In this article, we'll cover:
What is a social worker?
A social worker is someone who works with vulnerable groups of people, providing care, support, and protection to individuals in need.
A social worker's role involves safeguarding vulnerable children and adults, preventing abuse and harm, and supporting people to live independently.
As a social worker, you’ll have the opportunity to work with people of all ages, during times in their lives when they need help finding solutions to their problems.
Key facts
- The average starting salary of a social worker is £27,000 as of 2024.
- To work as a social worker you’ll have to register with one of four UK regulators.
- You may be expected to work some evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
- There are three main routes to becoming a social worker: university, apprenticeship and a graduate training scheme.
Why become a social worker?
Routes to becoming a social worker in the UK
Because social work is a graduate profession, you'll need degree level education in order to qualify.
There are three main routes to becoming a social worker in the UK:
- University
- Degree apprenticeship
- Graduate training scheme
You could study a degree in social work at university. To work as a social worker in the UK, check that the degree is accredited by Social Work England.
If you already have a degree in another subject and want to retrain or change careers, you could study a postgraduate degree in social work.
To support your studies in social work, you may be eligible for a social work bursary.
Entry requirements
Depending on the institution, you’ll typically need:
- Two to three A Levels, or equivalent
- A degree in any subject if you want to study a postgraduate course
Always check the entry requirements for the course and institution you’re applying to.
What does a social worker do?
Your day-to-day will look different depending on if you work with children, families or adults.
As a social worker, you might:
- meet with individuals and families to assess needs and create support plans
- maintain records, write reports, and discuss cases with supervisors
- ensure client safety and take necessary steps for their protection
- help clients in building and sustaining independent living skills
- work closely with communities, health professionals, and other agencies
Frequently asked questions about becoming a social worker
To summarise, becoming a social worker is an incredibly rewarding career and you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference to someone's life.
If you have questions or want to find out more about becoming a social worker, chat to our team.
Where next?
- Subject
Social Work
- Course
Social Work, BA (Hons)
- Course
Social Work, MA