Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work)
The accredited online course that qualifies you for a social work degree — study at your pace with instant study support and expert tutor guidance.
or £599.99/year (save 17%)
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if…
- ✓ You want to study social work at university
- ✓ You want to make a difference in people's lives
- ✓ You don't have A-levels or left education early
- ✓ You want to study online, around work or family
After this course, you can…
- → Apply to social work degrees at UK universities (up to 144 UCAS points)
- → Progress into social work, social policy, psychology, or counselling degrees
- → Start a career as a qualified Social Worker (from £33,000)
You'll need…
- • To be 19 or over (no upper age limit)
- • Access to a computer or tablet with internet
- • No formal qualifications required
- • We'll assess your readiness to start
What you'll study
The Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) covers key subjects to prepare you for a social work degree.
Explore core sociological theories and perspectives — functionalism, Marxism, feminism, and interactionism — and how they apply to understanding social issues and inequality.
Study psychological theories relevant to social work practice, including child development, attachment theory, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, and therapeutic approaches.
Examine the historical development of the British welfare state, modern social policy, poverty, housing, and the role of government in providing social services.
Understand the role, responsibilities, values, and principles of a social worker. Analyse the impact of legislation on practice and the needs of different client groups.
Study safeguarding frameworks, adult and child social care provisions in the UK, the contributions of voluntary and private sectors, and the welfare needs of diverse groups.
Develop academic writing, research methods, critical analysis, Harvard referencing, and presentation skills to prepare for university-level study.
6 modules · 18 units · Approximately 15 hours per week study time
How you'll learn
Online Materials
Study at your pace with interactive content
Instant Study Support
Ask a question any time — get a clear answer in seconds, 24/7
Expert Tutors
Qualified humans mark your work within 5 days
Flexible Schedule
Learn around your life, work, and family
Mobile Friendly
Study anywhere on any device
Regular Feedback
Know exactly where you stand at all times
Where this course takes you
The Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) is your first step to a meaningful career helping others.
Starting salary for a newly qualified Social Worker in the UK
Experienced social workers can earn up to £48,000 or more
Progression routes including social policy, counselling, psychology
Your career pathway
This Access to HE Diploma is your route into a social work degree — here's what the journey looks like.
Now: Access to HE Diploma
Study online with Qualvera for £69.99/month. This Level 3 qualification is equivalent to three A-levels and is accepted by universities for social work degree entry.
Next: Social Work Degree
Apply to social work degree programmes using your Access to HE Diploma. The BA or BSc in Social Work typically takes 3 years full-time.
Then: Qualified Social Worker
Graduate, register with Social Work England, and start your career. Starting salary from £33,000.
Support included with your subscription
Ask a question at midnight, get a clear answer in seconds. And if you ever need deeper help, your named human tutor is never more than a business day away.
| What you need | How it works | Response time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick question about your coursework | Intelligent study assistant | Instant — 24/7 |
| Feedback on practice work | Instant review with detailed notes | Instant — 24/7 |
| Stuck on a complex concept | Step-by-step explanation with examples | Instant — 24/7 |
| Need human guidance or reassurance | Your named, qualified tutor | Within 1 business day |
| Formal assessment marking | Human tutor reviews and grades | Within 3 business days |
Frequently asked questions
You don't need any formal qualifications. The Access to HE Diploma is designed for adult learners aged 19 and over who want to progress to a social work degree.
The course is designed to be completed in 12 months, studying approximately 15 hours per week. You can study at your own pace.
Yes. The Access to HE Diploma is nationally recognised and accepted by most UK universities for entry onto social work degree programmes.
Assessments are coursework-based with no formal exams. You'll complete essays, reports, and projects marked by qualified human tutors.
Qualified social workers can work in children's services, adult services, mental health, hospitals, schools, the criminal justice system, or voluntary organisations.
You get instant study support 24/7 — ask a question at any hour and get a clear answer in seconds. For deeper guidance, your named, fully qualified human tutor responds within one business day.
Start your social work journey today
You've already made the hardest decision — to start. Let us help you get there.