BA (Honours) Social Work (Wales)
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Social workers support and protect some of society’s most deprived and vulnerable people. It’s immensely challenging and rewarding work, requiring a high level of motivation and commitment. You also need a qualifying degree.
The Open University in Wales offers a work-based distance learning route to the BA (Hons) Social Work (Wales) for students working in social care in Wales. The degree has been approved by Care Council for Wales (CCW) and once you’ve successfully completed your studies, you’ll be entitled to register with the CCW as a social worker. This degree course is available to you if you’re working in a social care agency in Wales, whether or not you’re being funded by your employer. The Open University provides study materials and tutorial support, organises workshops and manages the assessment procedures. Practice learning opportunities are arranged between your employer and the OU in collaboration with a Local Authority.
Studying through work-based and distance learning, you’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills that underpin effective practice, and the ability to deal with difficult and sensitive issues while working within a complex professional system. Towards the end of your studies, specialist options will enable you to focus on particular service user groups and practice areas.
How to apply
It is not possible to apply online to study for this qualification. For more information, read our Entry requirements for this qualification.
Key facts
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This degree course is restricted to students working in social care in Wales.
For sponsored students entry has to be made through the employing agency.
Non-sponsored students must apply via The Open University in Wales on 029 2026 2728.
To study this degree you must:
- have a qualification in Maths and Welsh or English (this must be equivalent to grade C at GCSE)
- show that you can communicate clearly in spoken and written English or Welsh
- demonstrate that you have the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be a social worker
- take part in an interview
- have an acceptable Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and a medical check – this will be arranged by the University following a successful interview
- (if you are a non-sponsored student) have successfully completed the Certificate of Higher Education in Social Care (Wales) (T04). Following selection you then enter the degree at Level 2.
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Our fees depend on where you are ordinarily resident. We have a range of funding options to help you with
payment. When you apply to study we will tell you the fee and funding options that are
available to you. Before you apply you can read What you can expect to pay.
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Pathway to your qualification
View the pathway description to see the stages of study.
Career relevance and employability
An honours degree in social work is now the professional qualification required for all social workers in the UK. Once you’ve successfully completed the degree course, you’ll be entitled to register with the Care Council for Wales as a social worker.
The degree will prepare you for practice as you begin your career as a qualified social worker. You’ll have gained the skills needed to work with individuals, families, carers, groups, communities and other professionals, and be able to demonstrate to employers your professional competence in social work practice. Employers sponsoring staff on this degree have commented that:
- OU graduates are enthusiastic social workers who are well equipped to provide high quality interventions with clients
- a very high percentage of their OU qualified staff remain within their organisation and progress to more senior roles.
There’s 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 you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the necessary modules, you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Social Work (Wales) degree. You will be entitled to use the letters BA (Hons) after your name, and to apply to the Care Council for Wales for formal registration as a social worker.
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 grades you achieve in 240 credits from graded OU modules above Level 1, of which at least 120 credits must be from modules at Level 3.
You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Qualification Regulations, Module Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Qualification Regulations
Module Regulations and Student Regulations
The Module Regulations and the Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for
Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available
on our Essential documents website.
If you have a disability
Choosing the qualification that’s right for you is very important. Depending on your disability, long-term health condition, mental health disability or specific learning difficulty, you may need to consider any challenges posed by:
- the learning objectives: for example, to gain an honours degree in a language you must be physically able to speak the language
- how the modules are taught: for example, some of our science qualifications require that you complete laboratory work
- any work-based competency requirements.
Choosing the right qualification can be a complex mix of the subject requirements and the support you may need. To help you assess whether the qualification you are interested in will work for you, further advice is available from:
Computing requirements
You will need a computer with internet access to study for this qualification. For most OU qualifications a
Microsoft Windows (new since 2006), Apple Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) or Linux computer should be adequate.
However, some qualifications require more specific IT equipment, in which case you will need additional
software to use an Apple Mac or Linux computer. A detailed technical specification for your modules will be
made available when you register. Please note, technical specifications do change over time to match computer
developments and the way we teach.
Not sure if you’re ready? Try a short introductory Openings course
If you would like to try Open University study before you commit to a qualification, our
Openings courses could be the right place for you to start. These introductory-level courses
have been specially designed to help you find out what it’s like to study with the OU, get a
taste of a subject area, develop your study skills, and build your confidence. There is also financial
support available for these courses. Read more about our Openings courses.
Distance learning
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Unlike other universities we are not campus based. You will study in a flexible way that works for you whether you’re at home, at work or on the move. As an OU student you’ll be supported throughout your studies – your tutor will guide and advise you, offer detailed feedback on your assignments, and help with any study issues. Tuition might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials, or by phone.
For more information about distance learning at the OU read Study explained.
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