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Approach Social Work

A fully-funded training programme giving you the tools, training and support to make a difference for children. Applications reopen in September 2026.
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Why choose Approach Social Work?

Make a difference where it matters most

Social work is a career with meaning, development and room to grow.

On this programme, you’ll gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to make a lasting difference and help shape the future of children’s services.

 

What is a social worker?

Get qualified while you train

You’ll work towards your master’s degree during our three-year training programme.

Work directly with children and families while you train, putting your learning into practice from day one.

Where you’ll work

Be supported from day one

Learn on the job with guidance from tutors, experienced social workers.

You’ll also gain access to a peer network with career-long support from the Frontline Fellowship.

More programme benefits

What you’ll do

Children’s social work is evolving, with a growing focus on strengthening relationships with families and improving outcomes for children. By joining Approach Social Work, you’ll help shape the future of children’s services.

As a social worker, you’ll help children and families navigate difficult circumstances. You’ll build relationships, work with other professionals, advocate for children and make complex decisions to keep children safe and supported.

And that’s only part of it. The role is wide-ranging and shaped by the needs of each child you work with. It’s challenging work but when done well, it changes lives.

A typical week on Approach Social Work

Programme overview

Year one

  • Begin study for your postgraduate diploma
  • Work full-time in a local authority team, supported by tutors and practice educators

Year two and three

  • Continue working towards your master’s degree
  • Join the Frontline Fellowship for ongoing career development and support
Programme overview

Pay and progression

Year one: Receive a bursary of £18,000 (£20,000 in London) to help with living costs

Year two: Step into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker, earning between £30,000–39,000 (median £35,000)*

Year three: Earn between £35,000–44,000 (median £40,000)*

*Salary information reported by participants in 2024 and 2025

Pay, progression and support

Eligibility requirements

  • 2.2 in an undergraduate honours degree
  • GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above
  • Right to work and study in the UK until Sep 2029
  • Resident in England
  • Not social work qualified
Eligibility and assessment criteria

Application process

  1. Registration
  2. Application form
  3. Online test
  4. Assessment centre
  5. Pre-employment and programme checks
Full application process

Help centre

Have you got a question about Approach Social Work?

Help centre

Career events

Explore social work and an impactful social change career.

Upcoming events

Where you’ll work

We place participants in one of our partner local authorities to complete the three-year programme.
Where you’ll work

Diversity and inclusion

Children at risk of harm need social workers who reflect the communities they support.

Approach Social Work is committed to increasing diversity within social work and supporting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

Learn more

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