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Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (Step Up)

This course is a bespoke, innovative, work based 14-month programme that provides a high quality, accelerated route into social work employment.

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Drawing on current research across the social sciences, practice knowledge, government guidance and legislative frameworks, this course focuses on the issues that are key in facilitating professional and academic development as a social worker. 

This programme is ideal if you are a graduate, with experience of working with children and families and you are interested in pursuing a professional career in social work.

Candidates who successfully complete the PG Diploma in Social Work (Step Up) will have up to 5 years to progress to a full Masters award by completing the Research Methods/ Dissertation module, including a research based Masters dissertation.

Why study this course?

  • Social work education at Goldsmiths has a long and distinguished record – we house one of the most respected social work units in the UK, and you will be taught by established academics who have considerable research and/or practice experience in their fields.
  • You will undertake practice placements in two settings and with different 2 service user groups, so you will be able to gain invaluable experience of contemporary social work practice
  • Our graduates have gone on to work in local authority children's services departments, adult services departments, and independent and voluntary sector agencies such as the NSPCC, Family Action and Mind.

Apply for this course

Step Up to Social Work Programme accepts applicants every two years, applications for the 2024 programme have now closed.

Please refer to guidance provided by the Department for Education regarding the nationwide application process. Applications are made through this route only.

Please refer to guidance provided by the Department for Education on programme requirements.

The programme is split into 2 parts, with a mixture of classroom teaching and placements.

In Part 1 of the programme students will be required to undertake 70 days practice- based learning in either a statutory, voluntary or independent setting. In Part 2 of the programme students will undertake 100 days of practice learning involving direct practice in an agency-based placement. 

Part 1 modules

  • Human Growth and Development (30 credits)
  • Community Needs and Service (30 credits)
  • Social Work Practice Learning (1)

Part 2 modules

  • Social Work Methods and Skills (30 credits)
  • Law and the organisational context of social work (30 credits)
  • Social Work Practice Learning (2)