Overview

Our MA Social Work (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship programme has been developed in partnership with Norfolk County Council. While working and studying with us, we’ll ensure you have a blend of opportunities to bring together the academic, practical and lived experience of social work in your teaching and learning opportunities.

Social work involves assisting and working with people of all ages, races, disabilities, class, economic statuses, sexuality, gender, faith, and belief (including working with relatives and carers) in a wide range of settings, for example mental health, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, child and adult safeguarding.

Social Work apprentices will play a vital role in helping individuals and their families achieve their goals. Completion of the programme will prepare apprentices for a successful career in this rewarding field and enable successful graduates to apply to become registered as a Social Worker with Social Work England.

The Social Work (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship offers the opportunity for apprentices to become Social Workers by studying on a fully funded social work degree while receiving a salary. This requires applicants to have approved funding and support from a relevant employer throughout the duration of the programme.

On completing your MA Social Work (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship you’ll graduate ready for a career as a qualified practitioner and could go on to become a successful senior manager or practice specialist.

Course Details

Our Degree Apprenticeship programme builds on the strengths of our highly regarded Social Work MA and BA programmes and our strong partnership working with our partners.

All aspects of our programme will be mapped against the Social Work (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship standard and the British Association of Social Work’s Professional Capabilities Framework. Our programme is accredited by Social Work England.

Our 2-year MA Apprenticeship programme will support apprentices to develop their knowledge, skills and values through a combination of university-based learning and work-based learning within the local authority, including time in both Adult Social Services and Children’s Services. MA Apprentices will be supported throughout the programme by an academic adviser and workplace mentors who will take an active interest in their professional development, and work together with them to guide MA Apprentices’ development throughout university, work-based learning and practice placements.

Year 1

MA Apprentices spend the first semester in Year 1 (September – mid January) studying at UEA full-time, before completing their 70-day Level 1 placement (January- June).

Following the end of their placement, MA Social Work Apprentices then work full-time as Social Work Apprentices within their organisation from June, until Year 2 teaching starts in early September.

Year 2

In Year 2, MA Apprentices return to university for a 3-week teaching block in early September and complete their 100-day Level 2 placement (September – March), including monthly recall days at UEA. After placement, MA Social Work Apprentices return to working as apprentices within their organisation while completing their dissertations on a topic of their choice during their study days.

Once their degree marks are confirmed, MA Social Work Apprentices can register as a Social Worker with Social Work England in September.

Subjects studied

The MA Social Work (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship is split into 6 compulsory modules – 3 modules per year:

Year 1

In Year 1, you'll learn the theoretical foundations of Social Work, grounded in psychology and sociology. You’ll explore social policy and laws related to working with children and families, individuals with mental health issues, and vulnerable adults. You'll also focus on working with individuals, families, groups, fellow social workers, and other professionals.

Your learning will include lectures, seminars, group discussions, tutorials, workshops, simulated practice, and recorded role plays for reflection. Professionals and people with lived experience are central to our teaching approach.

Additionally, you’ll study the legal and social policy context of social work and apply your knowledge during your Level 1 placement (70 days).

Year 2

In Year 2, you’ll enhance your understanding of social work practice through specialist teaching and your Level 2 placement (100 days). You’ll also have the opportunity to explore a topic of your choice in depth by completing a literature review-based dissertation, supported by one of our academics.

Further Information/Application Process

Applicants will need:

An undergraduate degree, 2:2 or above
At least two years direct experience of working with children and families or adults with care and support needs.
GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above, or an approved UK equivalent such as Level 2 Functional Skills.
If you currently hold or are working towards any alternative qualifications at a similar level to those specified, including any qualifications taken outside of the UK, we will work with your employer/ prospective employer to establish eligibility for entry to the course.

Applications to the programme can only be made by securing employment as a Social Worker (Degree) Apprentice.

Recruitment for September 2026 entry will start in February/ March 2026. Please send any questions to: socialwork.apprenticeships@uea.ac.uk

For more information about working together or supporting an employee via an apprenticeship please visit:

Information for Employers

Hear from our students about their experiences on the UEA Social Work programmes: https://vimeo.com/eyefilmnorwich/review/837556376/b8dcb5b8be

If you are a prospective employer interested in supporting Social Work apprentices or developing a future programme for apprentices, please contact: socialwork.apprenticeships@uea.ac.uk.