Social Work
Social work is one of the most directly human of all professions, concerned with supporting individuals, families, and communities through some of the most difficult circumstances people can face, including poverty, family breakdown, mental ill health, addiction, domestic abuse, disability, and the consequences of trauma and disadvantage. Social workers carry statutory responsibilities that are legally defined, making careful professional judgement and a strong ethical framework essential throughout the career. It is demanding work, but it is also work that makes a concrete difference to people's lives.
This programme at the Open University is specifically designed for students in Wales, reflecting the distinct legislative and policy framework that governs social work practice there, including the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act and the distinctive approach to children's and adults' services that has developed in the Welsh context. The degree is delivered part-time by distance learning, which makes it accessible to people who are working, have caring responsibilities, or live in parts of Wales where attending a campus regularly is not feasible. This flexibility is particularly important in Wales, where access to higher education in Welsh-medium or geographically accessible formats matters to many students.
You will study the theory and law underpinning social work practice, including child development, family systems, mental health, safeguarding, social policy, and research methods. Practice placements are a core component of all social work degrees and this programme is no exception, giving you supervised experience in real practice settings that are essential for qualifying as a registered social worker.
On graduating you will be eligible to register with Social Care Wales and to practise as a qualified social worker. Career paths span children's services, adult social care, mental health, substance misuse, housing, and voluntary sector organisations, with opportunities for progression into specialist, supervisory, and management roles.