BA (Honours) Social Work Studies
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Degree
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 360 credits
Description
If you’re already a registered social worker with a Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) or similar qualification, the OU’s degree in social work studies enables you to top-up to an honours degree in just two years part-time study.
This degree course will build on your existing skills and knowledge to prepare you for further challenges in your social work practice. It will help you to develop your reflective and evidence-based practice, and the skills needed to critically challenge social work and social care services – taking into account the dynamic social, cultural, spiritual, legal, political and economic factors affecting care delivery.
This qualification is designed for qualified social workers who do not hold a degree – it is not a qualifying award leading to registration as a social worker in the UK. Sponsorship by your employer is not required.
How to register
Registration is not yet open for this qualification. For an autumn 2012 start, registration opens on 27 March 2012. If you would like to register your interest, you can order our free guide to studying in 2012.
Career relevance and employability
You may already be employed in a social work or social care setting as a qualified social worker (with, for example, a Diploma in Social Work) but without a degree. Or you may have recently taken a career break, and provided you’ve retained your registration, this degree could help you re-establish your credentials and show your willingness to engage with studies relevant to modern social work practice.
Completing an honours degree course in a relevant discipline can enhance your employability skills and future career prospects by clearly demonstrating your commitment to the post-qualifying learning requirements for ongoing registration. This degree is designed to help you develop a sound and critical understanding of policy, theory and practice in health and social care. It will provide you with an opportunity to engage with the challenges facing professionals, service users and policy makers in the UK today.
There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit that you can count towards this Open University qualification. Further details will be available when registration opens for this qualification.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required modules, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Social Work Studies degree and will be entitled to use the letters BA (Hons) Soc Wk Stud (Open) after your name.
Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class, upper second-class, lower second-class or third-class. The class of degree is determined by the best grades you achieve in a minimum of 120 and up to 240 credits from modules listed above. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at Level 3.
You will have the option of attending a degree ceremony.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Health and Social Care.
Study explained
- Costs
- - find out how much you can expect to pay.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Your questions
We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.
Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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