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Free Access to HE Social Work Course Online

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
StartFlexible
Awarding bodySEGA
Apply now →

About this course

Free Access to HE Social Work Course. Study online, at your own pace, over around 9 to 12 months. This level 3 access to HE social work qualification is recognised by UK universities as equivalent to three A-Levels. It covers social care, poverty, prejudice and discrimination, psychology, and the welfare state. You'll also build academic skills such as essay writing, research, and time management, so you're ready for degree-level study. The course can start at any point in the year, making it a practical option if you need flexibility. It's free for eligible learners aged 19 or over.

Who this course is for

Adults (19+)

Entry requirements

You will need:

  • GCSE grade 4 or above for both English and maths or
  • A relevant Level 2 qualification and Functional Skills in English and maths at Level 2

You will also have an online assessment and interview with our course tutors before completing your enrolment, so we can ensure the course is right for you.

Some universities do not accept Functional Skills and require GCSEs.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore social care provisions and the role of social workers in the UK
  • You'll study poverty in contemporary Britain and its impact on individuals and families
  • You'll examine prejudice, discrimination, and how to respond to them
  • You'll develop your understanding of cognitive and developmental psychology
  • You'll analyse social inequality, the welfare state, and family structures
  • You'll practise academic skills including essay writing, research techniques, and note-taking
  • You'll prepare for university-level assessments through exam preparation and oral presentations

How you will learn

The course is delivered entirely online, so you study when it suits you. Learning is self-paced and distance-based. Before you enrol, you'll complete an online assessment and interview with course tutors to confirm the course is the right fit. Assessment methods include written assignments, essays, and oral presentations, building the skills universities expect at degree level.

What you will need to bring

West London College will confirm anything you need before you start. As this is an online course, you'll need reliable internet access and a device to study on.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Social work assistant: support qualified social workers in case management
  • Support worker: help adults or children with daily living and wellbeing
  • Care coordinator: organise care plans for vulnerable individuals
  • Family support worker: work with families facing difficulties at home
  • Community outreach worker: connect people with local services and support
  • Youth worker: support young people's development and welfare

What you could study next

This qualification is designed to take you into university. Most graduates go on to a BA or BSc in Social Work, which is required to register as a qualified social worker with Social Work England. Some learners also progress to related degrees such as Psychology, Sociology, or Health and Social Care. Check your chosen university's entry requirements carefully, as some require GCSEs rather than Functional Skills qualifications.

Apply on wlc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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