Social Work (Step Up to Social Work) - MA, PDip

The Kent and Medway Regional Partnership will be opening a new recruitment round for 20 aspiring social workers to start this programme in January 2026. Students can expect to learn through a combination of academic study and real social work experience in either Kent or Medway Local Authority. On completion, the Postgraduate Diploma will enable graduates to register and practice as a social worker, making a difference by nurturing relationships with families during difficult times and by protecting children. Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference for vulnerable children and families. You will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener. You will also need good observational skills, analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children. Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve - all of which you will need to succeed. Social work can be life changing for those you support. This is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, as the Department for Education provides funding via a tax-free bursary payment of £19,833, over the duration of the programme, and payment of University fees for successful applicants. This will allow you to change or start a new career in social work and be able to continue to pay your bills and fund your living costs while you are studying. The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply. The School of Social Sciences is one of the best in the country for teaching and research. Successful graduates of the Step-Up to Social Work programme are eligible to apply to register with Social Work England, the regulatory body for social work, meaning that you are ready to jump into a meaningful and successful career in social work.

IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 5.5 in each component

January 2026

24 August 2026

• Additional locations (see overview), United Kingdom