To become a social worker in the UK, you'll need a social work degree approved by Social Work England, a Social Worker Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship or a postgraduate route if you already have a degree in another subject. You then register with Social Work England. Graduates can also apply for work-based schemes such as Step Up to Social Work or Approach Social Work.
Social work in England is a registered profession, so the qualification has to be approved. The bit people underestimate is experience: most courses and jobs want you to have worked with vulnerable groups or children before you apply.
Everything here comes from the National Careers Service social worker profile, read on 26 October 2026. It covers England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own regulators.
Social worker salary and hours
| What you'll want to know | National Careers Service figure |
|---|---|
| Starting salary | £32,000 a year |
| Experienced salary | £48,000 a year |
| Typical hours | 37 to 45 a week |
| When you could work | Evenings, weekends and bank holidays on a rota |
| Registration | Social Work England |
Those salary figures are as of October 2026.
Routes into social work
- Undergraduate degree. Take a social work degree approved by Social Work England. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent. Some universities offer a combined master's in nursing and social work.
- Postgraduate degree. If you've got a degree in another subject, a postgraduate social work degree normally takes 2 years.
- Degree apprenticeship. The Social Worker Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship takes around 3 years and mixes placements with study.
- Graduate training scheme. Intensive work-based programmes lead to a master's or postgraduate diploma. You'll need at least a 2:2 degree.
- Register. All routes end with registration with Social Work England.
You might also be able to get a social work bursary, so check eligibility with your university before you rule out a degree on cost.
The graduate schemes most career changers don't know about
If you already have a degree with at least a 2:2, you don't have to start again. Work-based programmes such as Step Up to Social Work and Approach Social Work train you on the job while you study for a master's or postgraduate diploma, focused on children and families.
They're intensive, but for a career changer they're often the fastest way into a qualified role. Compare them against the standard 2-year postgraduate degree before you decide.
Experience you'll need first
You'll need experience of working with vulnerable groups or children to apply for most courses or jobs. The National Careers Service suggests becoming a social work assistant or family support worker, working with a community charity, or finding opportunities through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.
You'll also need to pass enhanced background checks, and some roles need a driving licence and your own transport.
Your first year in practice
During your first year, your employer is likely to offer the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). It includes regular supervision, a tailored caseload and training time for professional development tasks. It's the bridge between qualifying and handling a full caseload, so ask about it at interview.
What social workers do
- Meet individuals and families to review needs and make support plans
- Give emotional and practical support
- Build trust with young people to support their wellbeing
- Help clients build independent living skills
- Act to protect clients when necessary
- Keep records, write reports and review cases with supervisors
You could work in an office, in the community, in adult or children's care homes or in hospitals, and the work can be emotionally demanding. The values behind the job are interesting well beyond care settings, as this piece on ethical business practices inspired by social work principles shows.
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Progression
With experience, you could become a senior practitioner mentoring new staff, a practice supervisor or service manager, or specialise in substance abuse, mental health or child protection. Others move into research, teaching, consultancy and policy work. The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the professional body for networking and development.
Degree, apprenticeship or graduate scheme?
| Route | Length | Usual entry |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate social work degree | Varies by university | 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent |
| Postgraduate social work degree | Normally 2 years | A degree in any subject |
| Social Worker Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship | Around 3 years | 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and A levels, or equivalent |
| Graduate training scheme (Step Up, Approach Social Work) | Intensive, work based | At least a 2:2 degree |
The apprenticeship suits people already working in care who want to qualify without leaving their job. The schemes suit graduates who want to move quickly into children and families work. The postgraduate degree is the flexible middle option if you want to keep adult social work open as well. Interviews for all three test how you'd handle real situations, so these tips on preparing for an interview without direct experience are worth reading.
My verdict
Social work has more ways in than most registered professions. School leavers can take the degree or the apprenticeship, and graduates can choose between a 2-year postgraduate degree and an intensive scheme like Step Up. Whichever you choose, start building experience with vulnerable people now, because that's what gets you through the door, and ask every employer about the ASYE support in your first year.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a social worker in the UK?
A postgraduate social work degree normally takes 2 years, and the Social Worker Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship takes around 3 years. Undergraduate degree lengths vary by university.
Can I become a social worker with a degree in another subject?
Yes. You could take a postgraduate social work degree or apply for a graduate training scheme, which needs at least a 2:2.
Who do social workers register with in England?
You'll need to register with Social Work England.
How much do social workers earn in the UK?
The National Careers Service gives £32,000 a year for starters and £48,000 for experienced social workers, as of October 2026.
What is the ASYE?
The Assessed and Supported Year in Employment is professional development many employers offer in your first year, with regular supervision, a tailored caseload and training time.
Do you need experience to become a social worker?
Yes, usually. Most courses and jobs ask for experience of working with vulnerable groups or children.
