BA (Hons) Social Work (Degree Apprenticeship)

About the Course

Apprenticeship Code: ST0510

The BA (Hons) Social Work Degree Apprenticeship at Liverpool Hope University offers a unique and distinctive combination of academic excellence and practical training, designed to prepare apprentices for the multifaceted and evolving demands of social work.

Developed in close collaboration with employers and people with lived experience of social work, this innovative programme equips apprentices with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours necessary to create meaningful impact with and for individuals, families, and communities while addressing systemic social injustices in an ever-changing sector.

This apprenticeship is a practice-focused learning programme that integrates on-the-job and off-the-job training, delivered flexibly to accommodate workplace responsibilities.

By undertaking this apprenticeship at Liverpool Hope University, apprentices will gain invaluable hands-on experience while consolidating their academic knowledge and developing new skills as part of a social care team. The programme is fully aligned with Social Work England’s Professional Standards and the Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship Standard, ensuring apprentices are well-prepared for professional practice.

Overview

Upon successful completion, apprentices will achieve the following:

- Practical Experience and Professional Competence: Hands-on practice and a portfolio of assessed professional competencies gained directly in the workplace.

- Innovative Learning Opportunities: Access to cutting-edge teaching and learning approaches designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential for effective professional social work practice.

- Enhanced Skills and Career Readiness: New knowledge and capabilities to prepare for more advanced and challenging roles in social care delivery.

Graduates will be awarded a BA (Hons) in Social Work and a Level 6 Apprenticeship Qualification, both approved by Social Work England*. This qualification enables graduates to apply for registration as a professional social worker.

Further information

Email: apprenticeships@hope.ac.uk 
Tel: 0151 291 2281

Apprenticeships Hub Team
Liverpool Hope University
Hope Park
Liverpool
L16 9JD

*What does ‘subject to validation’ mean?

This course is ‘subject to validation’ which means it is in the last stages of the validation process, awaiting final approval from Social Work England. Validation is a rigorous process undertaken with academic staff, students, independent subject experts, and employers to ensure the course is of high quality, and able to prepare students well for their future employment or further study. Validation is not guaranteed.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the programme of study information. Changing circumstances or changing requirements of external regulators and/or accreditation bodies may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. The University reserve the right to make changes if such action is considered by the University to be necessary. 

Curriculum Overview

Year 1 (Level 4)

Year 1 is an introduction to the core principles of social work, emphasising policy, theory, and legislation. Apprentices will also explore key social sciences that underpin social work practice, including sociology, psychology, and social policy.

Modules include:

- Readiness for Direct Practice

- Social Work in Context 1

- Social Work in Context 2

- Social Work in Practice

Year 2 (Level 5)

Year 2 emphasises strengthening apprentices’ confidence and readiness to take on the responsibilities of a social worker. This is achieved through opportunities to engage in simulated activities and direct work with individuals, families, and communities. A key focus of the year encourages apprentices to deepen their understanding of social injustice, racism, inequality, and the principles that guide effective and compassionate practice, linking theory to real-world application.

Modules include:

- Law and Ethics

- Theories and Methods

- Advance Practice

- Practice Learning 1 (70-day practice placement)

Year 3 (Level 6)

Year 3 will prepare apprentices for professional practice by deepening their understanding and ability to meet Professional Standards. Apprentices will critically engage with current research to analyse and address community needs, developing strategies to enhance and innovate social work services and apply their knowledge, skills, and behaviours in final placement. Throughout the year, there is  a strong emphasis on meaningful inter-professional collaborative practice, teamwork and leadership.

Modules include:

- Research and Critical Thinking

- Contemporary Themes in Social Work

- Professionalism, Power and Empowerment

- Practice Learning 2 (100-day practice placement)

Placement

Apprentices will need to complete placements equal to at least 200 days, including up to 30 skills days that will be facilitated at the University, gaining different experiences and learning in practice settings. These settings must be contrasting and at least one placement must be in a different setting to the normal employed work base.

Apprentices will have placements in at least two settings providing contrasting experiences. A minimum of one placement must take place within a statutory setting, providing experience of sufficient social work tasks involving high-risk decision-making and legal interventions. 

Delivery

Apprentices will typically spend three years on the apprenticeship course working towards the Apprenticeship Social Worker standard with the End Point Assessment taken in the last 6 months.

Apprentices will engage in ‘off-the-job’ teaching and learning activities one day a week. Apprentices also complete two practice placements during their apprenticeship including one 70-day placement in Year 2 and a final 100-day placement in Year 3.

Apprentices will have 7 hours of blended teaching and learning each week, across three semesters.

Apprentices and their line manager/workplace mentor will be supported by a University Skills Coach. The Skills Coach will meet with the apprentice, practice educator and line manager/mentor at least four times per year, to support and monitor progress towards the Apprenticeship Standard. 

Entry Requirements

All applicants are individually assessed for suitability. A minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points must come from a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent). Additional points can be made up from a range of alternative qualifications.

Alternative Assessment

Admission can be considered via the successful completion of an alternative entrance assessment for applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements. Please read and download our Alternative Assessment Process and Entry Criteria and Guidance Notes for more clarification: 

 - Apprenticeships Alternative Assessment Process and Entry Requirements 

 - Apprenticeships Alternative Assessment Guidance Notes

 - Apprenticeships Alternative Assessment Marking Criteria

Subject Requirements

English and Maths

In addition, applicants need a GCSE or equivalency in English Language (Grade C/Level 4 or above) upon entry. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and Maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

All candidates will need to complete an English and Maths initial assessment as part of the application process. For those applicants that do not possess their certificates, they will need to demonstrate an adequate understanding via the assessment. There will be a discussion between the Skills Coach, Employer Lead and applicant as to whether the applicant would benefit from the completion of these qualifications before the completion of the apprenticeship.

If English is not the applicant’s first language, they will also need IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band (or equivalent).

Additional Requirements

The ability to use IT facilities including word processing, internet browsing and use of email. Offers will be subject to a successful interview, as well as a Health Check Statement and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Eligibility

The apprentice and employer must make sure the following criteria is met to be eligible for funding. If you don’t meet these requirements, please contact us before applying.

 - You will be aged 18 or over before you start your course

 - You are a UK citizen with the Right to Work and Study in the UK (or you are a non UK citizen with the Right to Work and Study in the UK)

 - You are currently in employment in England and will spend at least 50% of your working hours in England over the duration of the apprenticeship, and you are not self-employed

 - You are not planning to leave the UK within the next 12 months (excluding holidays)

 - If you’ve already undertaken an apprenticeship, you will have completed or achieved and left that apprenticeship before undertaking this apprenticeship with Liverpool Hope University

 - This apprenticeship with Liverpool Hope University will not duplicate training or assessment you have already received from another source

 - You are not already being funded by the Department for Education or any other government department for any other training or education.

Assessment

The Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship (Integrated Degree) incorporates a diverse range of assessments, including essays, presentations, and practical simulated activities. These assessments are carefully designed to ensure apprentices demonstrate competence in alignment with the Social Work England Professional Standards and the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship Standard.

During placements, Apprentices are evaluated by a qualified Social Work Practice Educator, who uses the Professional Capabilities Framework tailored to the apprentice’s stage of learning to assess their progress and professional development. As part of their development, apprentices will compile Placement Portfolios, which document critical practice, feedback, and observation reports. They will also participate in four Progress Reviews each year, conducted by a Practice Tutor and a University Skills Coach.

In the final year, apprentices will complete a final reflection, drawing on the evidence they have gathered to demonstrate their achievement of the apprenticeship standard. 

Funding

Maximum Funding: £24,000 (dependent on individual assessment).

Degree Apprenticeships are paid for by the employer.

For employers with a payroll below £3 million:

The Government will pay 95% if the cost of the apprenticeship training and assessment for apprentices of any age, for employers who will not be paying the apprenticeship levy. Employers may also be eligible for extra employer incentives.

For employers with a payroll above £3 million:

Since May 2017 employers can use their Apprenticeship Levy contributions towards the cost of the apprenticeship using their digital account. Liverpool Hope University will agree to a payment schedule and discuss funding availability before an apprenticeship course commences.

Support

Apprentices will be eligible for a range of support offered by Liverpool Hope University, including:

- Student Support including Learning Support, Mental Health and Wellbeing and Counselling

- Library

- Careers and Employability including job opportunities, career support and further study information.

Apprentices will also be able to obtain a student ID card to benefit from student offers and discounts including discounted annual gym and sports membership at our Hope Park Sports centre.