Student social worker

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters.

If you're ready to step into a career where your work can change lives, this is where your journey begins.

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps graduates with any degree become children's social workers. Get the training, hands-on experience and support you’ll need to help children and families thrive.

You don't need any prior social work knowledge or experience to join us. We’re looking for people who are motivated to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children at risk of harm and ready to commit to three years of learning, working and growing.

The role of a children’s social worker

You’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. No two days are the same. Your work might involve visiting a child at home or school, working with teachers or health professionals, or supporting a parent through difficult circumstances. You’ll draw on evidence, weigh up risks, influence decisions and advocate for children, all while showing empathy, resilience and self-awareness.

There’s never been a more exciting time to join the profession. The government is leading nationwide reforms in children’s social work, which aim to strengthen support for families, increase collaboration between services and improve outcomes for children. As a newly qualified social worker, you’ll not only be supporting children and families, you’ll also help shape the future of social work practice.

Why Approach Social Work?

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Fully funded master's degree in children's social work; you won't pay a penny in tuition fees.

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Work directly with children and families while you train, putting your learning into practice straight away.

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£18,000–£20,000 tax-free bursary in year one to help with living and travel costs while you train.

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Guaranteed employment as a newly qualified social worker in a local authority when you successfully complete year one.

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Earn £30,000–£39,000 in year two, with salaries up to £44,000 in year three.*

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Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering ongoing support, networking and professional development.

The programme

Approach Social Work is an intensive three-year programme that combines academic study with hands-on practice. From the start, you’ll be working with children and families to make a lasting difference and help shape the future of children’s services.

Throughout the programme, you'll develop a deep understanding of how to support children and families and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches; and earn a master’s degree along the way.

In year one, you’ll study for a postgraduate diploma while gaining hands-on experience in a local authority team, working directly with children and families. You’ll be supported by a tutor and a practice educator, and receive a bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs.

Once you successfully complete year one, you’ll move into guaranteed employment as a newly qualified social worker, with salaries up to £39,000 in year two, and £44,000 in year three.* You’ll continue training, to further expand your knowledge and confidence, and keep working towards a master’s degree which you’ll complete in year three.

*Salary information is based on self-reported earnings from participants in 2024 and 2025