Why study this course with LJMU?
Every day, social workers support people to improve their life chances. Are you good at building positive relationships with people and supporting them to solve their problems? This degree apprenticeship could be for you.
- Qualify to become a social worker with our established degree apprenticeship
- Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills and values to practise as a professional social worker
- Earn as your learn
- Progress your career in a job that gives something back to society
- Become an in demand graduate with clear career progression and excellent earning opportunities
- 100% of students on this course said teaching staff were good at explaining things and supported their learning well (National Student Survey 2025)
About your course
This integrated Degree Apprenticeship in Social Work will equip students with the knowledge, skills and values to practise as a social worker in the full range of social work settings.
The course recognises that social issues become problems when social processes and institutions fail to meet the needs of individuals, groups and communities. Personal experience cannot be separated from the social, political and economic context in which social work is practised.
In our teaching, we provide opportunities for students to develop an enquiring, analytical and creative approach to working with a range of people. The programme will build graduate knowledge and skills to study systematically and independently at degree level. The programme will support students to develop their theoretical understanding and ability to critically evaluate research evidence, which forms the foundation of effective social work practice.
On completing the course, and registering with Social Work England, you will be a caring, sensitive, confident, autonomous, competent, critically reflective, reflexive and research-minded social work practitioner, committed to engaging in ethical and politically aware practice to change systems which preserve inequality, oppression and social exclusion.
To study for this degree apprenticeship students will need to exhibit the following skills and behaviours:
- communicate openly, honestly and accurately
- listen to people and apply professional curiosity to evaluate and assess what information they need to gather
- provide quality advice, support or care
- treat people with compassion, dignity and respect and work together to empower positive change
- adapt approaches according to the situation and context
- commit to continuous learning within social work, with curiosity and critical reflection
- adhere to the Professional Standards (Social Work England, 2020).
Elevate your Career in Social Work with an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Professional accreditation
I always felt like something was missing in my practice and I didn't really know what it was until I came here. Once I was here, I realised that it's learning about the theory and about the law and combining the two. It just made sense. I'm a better practitioner now that I'm coming to university and I've got a much better understanding of the subject.
Qualification requirements
A levels
Candidates will normally have A-Levels or equivalent. 120 UCAS points
International Baccalaureate
26 Points
Alternative qualifications considered
Applicants younger than 19years old must have achieved, prior to onboarding, GCSEEnglish Language and Mathsat Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy/Numeracy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
Applicants aged 19 and abovemust have achieved, prior to onboarding, GCSEEnglish Languageat Grade C or above (Grade 4 for those sitting their GCSE from 2017 onwards) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
A minimum of 2 years work experience in health and social care or in a social work support role would be required. Recruitment for the programme will be facilitated jointly by employer agencies and LJMU. Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course. A satisfactory occupational health check will also be required. Non-UK applicants should achieve a minimum score of 7.0 overall in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment (or an equivalent assessment).
Other international requirements
Employers must confirm that an enhanced DBS check has been received for successful applicants to the programme.
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants, those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency therefore require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country prior to entry on to the course.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
If you aren’t already employed by a company that is willing to sponsor you through an apprenticeship, you’ll need to find one. You can do this by regularly checking the Government’s Find an apprenticeship website.
You can also approach an employer yourself to find out whether they would be interested in offering Degree Apprenticeships and ask them to contact us. Our team will be able to explain to them how they can access the correct funding and the next steps.
Just like any other job application, you’ll go through a recruitment process with the employer. Check out our interview tips to help you prepare for your Degree Apprenticeship interview. You’ll also need to meet the entry requirements to attend Liverpool John Moores University just like any other student. To do this, find your course and make sure you meet the requirements of the particular course associated with your Degree Apprenticeship.
To apply for a Degree Apprenticeship course complete the online application form.
You will need to provide evidence of your English certificate and if it meets the minimum requirement, you will be invited to an academic interview.
You will be required to complete and return a skills scan document that is automatically sent to you upon receipt of your application.
Following completion of your skills scan and successful academic interview, you and your employer contact will be invited to attend a meeting with a member of the Programme Team to further discuss the requirements of the apprenticeship alongside your skills scan. This will enable the programme team to carry out an initial assessment of your current knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) and offer the opportunity to discuss your new learning based on your previous experience and study.
If your application is successful, you’ll enter into an employment/apprenticeship contract with your employer which will set out the obligations of all parties involved in the apprenticeship.
Your university life
From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.
Related Links
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance on university life, courses and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you're making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest news and stories from the university
