ApprenticeshipSocial Worker (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship
Course overview
Are you looking to pursue a career in a rewarding profession? Solent’s social work apprenticeship degree will help you develop a thorough grounding of the standards required to become a professional social worker. You’ll develop leadership skills alongside other skills, knowledge, values and first-hand experience, key to making a difference to the lives of vulnerable people.
The first two years of this apprenticeship degree concentrate on learning the basis of professional social work and includes looking at subjects such as social work theory, working in organisations and communities, law, psychology and human development and sociology and society. For your final year, you can choose to specialise in adults or children and families to help focus your career path upon graduation.
An important element of the course is the approval gained from industry regulator Social Work England. As a result, you’re eligible to register as a qualified social worker once you’ve graduated. The qualification is also valid for practice in Europe, Canada, Australia and the USA, widening the career opportunities for graduates wishing to travel after their degree.
The course team’s strong links with local employers, service users and carers within the industry have allowed previous students the opportunity to practice the theory they’ve learnt in work placements, enabling them to build their skills and confidence as a social worker and develop their professional network.
These established links with the industry have also allowed past students to attend regular guest lectures where they have benefitted from talks delivered by social work professionals giving valuable insight into the industry and the career opportunities available.
Both an academic qualification and, importantly, a professional qualification, this course is approved by Social Work England – this means that you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker on successful completion of your degree.
Any questions?
Contact the apprenticeships team
Email:Â
For employers
Apprenticeships can add value at all levels of your business:
- Upskill your staff with industry relevant qualifications.
- Drive an increase in productivity.
- Promote long-term loyalty and reduce staff turnover.
- Reduce the cost of qualifications and training.
- Develop staff with a minimum of interruption to day-to-day operations.
- Offer genuine opportunities for personal development.
For apprentices
Here's what a higher or degree apprenticeship can offer you:
- A combination of on-the-job and academic study which is relevant and applied.
- A continued wage and contract of employment which includes all the same benefits as any employee.
- A higher or degree qualification which is recognised, transferrable and the same level as if achieved through traditional study routes.
- A debt free future with zero tuition fees. (Please note, as apprenticeships are funded by employers, apprentices are not eligible to apply for Student Loans Company loans)
- An opportunity to develop new skills and progress within your industry.
What does this course lead to?
Social workers have opportunities to work with other professionals such as the police and doctors, to plan support and offer services to those in need of care and support.
If a social worker is successful in enabling change, it can mean that a child or vulnerable adult may achieve a new lease of life and positive possibilities for the future.
Who is this course for?
This BA (Hons) Social Work programme prepares students for a wide range of social work and community care roles. You’ll need a non-judgemental attitude, an appreciation of diversity, self-awareness, flexibility and openness to new ideas. In addition, you’ll be able to demonstrate relevant skills such as empathy, active listening, negotiating and advocacy. Ideal candidates should aspire to work with vulnerable members of the community. Applicants typically come from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Facilities
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
Come to an open day
Fancy a sneak peek? Take a look around!
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
What you'll study
Core modules
People, Society and the Human Experience
This module identifies and explores a range of behaviours and the diversity of the human experience that is a core skill in social work, along with understanding of the historical and societal context in which social work operates and its evolution to contemporary practice as it helps to seek a way forward when working with people. You'll develop insight into a timeline of knowledge of human growth and development and explore the dynamics of social interactions, relationships, behaviour and the impact of discrimination and oppression. It will also introduce foundational knowledge of sociological and psychological theory within the context of lived experience and its importance to understand why and how people develop in the environments in which they live.
Introduction to Social Work Theory and Skills
In this module you'll develop your understanding of key models and approaches underpinning social work theory and practice, with a particular focus on communication theory and its application in professional and interprofessional contexts. You'll explore how theoretical frameworks inform effective engagement, assessment, and intervention with individuals, families, and communities, building your foundational knowledge of social work theory and methods while fostering essential skills such as active listening, empathy, professional communication and partnership working.
Introduction to Law, Policy and Social Work Practice
In this module you will be introduced to the key legislative and regulative framework within which social work practice is conducted in England and develop functional understanding of the legal, policy and regulatory framework which shape social work practice in the real world. You'll be familiarised with the basic principles of English Law and the systems through which the legal process operates. You'll also be encouraged to apply legal and policy knowledge to social work contexts, recognising how law informs decision making, rights and statutory duties across services.
The Professional Social Worker
This module introduces and explores the real-world challenges of defining and maintaining professionalism in social work, including ethical dilemmas, accountability, and the need for effective communication in diverse contexts. You will examine the values and standards that underpin practice and consider how professional boundaries and reflective supervision supports ethical decision-making. Through practice-led learning such as case studies, role-play, and simulated scenarios, you will develop confidence in applying theory to practice, preparing you for employment in social work and related sectors.
Social Work England Level 4 Skills Days
The level 4 skills days/half day sessions for social work students are a requirement of the accrediting body, Social Work England. These skills days are part of the mandatory 200 practice placement learning days for social work students in England, allowing a total of 30 focused days (7 hours each) for practical skill development, which are timetabled across all three years of this social work degree. No academic credits are awarded for this module, however, you will need to evidence your engagement on the module by uploading reflective summaries of learning.
Successful apprentices will graduate with a:BA (Hons) Social Work
How you'll study
You will learn through a combination of directed learning, collaborative learning and guided learning. You will also make use of the University's online learning platform Solent Online Learning (SOL).You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Essays
- Individual presentations
- Project work
- Poster presentations
- Portfolios
- End-point assessment
This course is assessed via essays, presentations, projects, posters, oral communication with service user, direct observations, and portfolios and used to assess all elements of the course.
Find out more
Fees and finance
Businesses with an annual payroll above £3million will be classed as a levy paying employer and will be able to use funds accrued in their digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account for payment of the training. Please contact us for guidance on fees if you are a non-levy employer which will cover at least 95% of the costs.
- The maximum funding drawdown for this course is: £24,000
Apprentices pay nothing towards their course fees
The course fees will be covered by your employer.
Extra course costs
The 2026/27 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous other costs have been:
Compulsory costs
- DBS – Enhanced DBS fee, paid by employer
- Student travel expenses to placements – dependent on placement location/travel required
- Professional dress for placement work – dependent on placement location
Optional Costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Earn while you learn
As an apprentice you'll earn while working and studying towards your degree.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Entry Requirements
To study for an apprenticeship, you must be employed and have a contract that will cover the duration of your apprenticeship.
All apprentice applications need to go through apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk in the first instance. Applicants will be expected to provide the following documents during the onboarding process:
- CV
- Job description
- Maths and English certificates - GCSE/GCE/Functional Skills*
- Completed skills assessment (template provided by Solent's apprenticeships team)
- Passport/visa (showing access to public funds if non UK passport), or birth certificate
- Share code to show immigration status if applicable
Please note: if any certificates are from outside of the UK, you will need to have a Naric Equivalency Statement alongside the certificates.
* Maths and English delivery to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 can be provided for some courses and should be discussed at onboarding stage if you do not have Maths and English certificates at Grade 4/C and above.
Eligibility
To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must:
- have a contract of employment that spans the length of the apprenticeship
- hold a UK passport, or if you are a non-UK national, have valid passport and Share code to demonstrate residency
- have lived in the UK for the past three years
- have access to public funds (residency status/visa status)
Ready to apply?
If you are an employer or a potential apprentice and would like to have an in-depth conversation with us about potential opportunities, please email apprenticeships@solent.ac.uk.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship offers a unique blend of work experience and academic study. Candidates on an apprenticeship will work a paid job while simultaneously working towards a relevant qualification in their chosen field.
Apprentices are employees with a contract of employment that must cover the duration of the programme being studied. Apprentices have guaranteed time from their employer to complete their studies, at a minimum of six hours a week, known as off-the-job training hours. The University will provide each apprentice with a tracker to ensure these off the job hours are logged to demonstrate compliance with this funding rule.
Higher apprenticeships
Solent offers a diverse range of higher and degree apprenticeships, some of which will include an additional qualification that will be studied within the Apprenticeship Standard, eg: HNC, BA or BSc.
Our apprenticeships give employees the opportunity to upskill in their chosen field or retrain for a new career while working.
Employers will see an increase in knowledge and skills, improved productivity, and a boost in the expertise of the workforce.
Find out moreThinking of applying?
Visit us on campus and explore Solent University by registering for one of our apprenticeship events.
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Most of our specialist support services are based around the Student Hub, a central space where you can access all the information and support you may need during your time at University. The Student Hub is the first point of contact if you have any queries relating to your course, including questions about your timetable, options, and assessments and extenuating circumstances.
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