The BA (Hons) Social Work Distance Learning degree from Robert Gordon University is designed for someone already working in a related social care role. It will provide you with the knowledge, values and skills required by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to practice as a qualified Social Worker.
This part-time degree gives you the flexibility to balance your learning with work and other life commitments. Designed as a work-based degree, it is delivered through a combination of on campus learning, practice experience and tutor led learning supported by online resources. There are two entry levels dependent on your existing qualifications and experience.
As a Social Worker you will have a vital role in society providing support and protection to people who are disadvantaged and vulnerable.
1st in Scotlandfor overall student satisfaction in Social Sciences
(National Student Survey 2023)
Excludes colleges, small, specialist and private providers
1st in Scotlandfor career prospects in Social Work
(GUG 2024)
Stage 2
Stage 2 enables you to develop knowledge and skills associated with social work practice. You will acquire an initial ability to demonstrate assessment and intervention skills with a range of client groups. There are three teaching blocks and one assessed placement during the 14 months of this Standard Entry stage.
- Induction teaching block week – January
- Teaching block week – June
- Pre-placement teaching block week - January
- 60 day placement (January - April)
Stage 3
For students progressing from Stage 2 or joining via Advanced Entry this stage is over a 13 month period and comprises of two teaching blocks and an assessed placement.
Stage Three enables the student to apply advanced social work skills to specific client groups. This will be demonstrated by a greater level of independent study and increasing competence in social work practice.
- Teaching block week - May
- Pre-placement teaching block week – January
- 100 day placement (January – June)
Stage 4
Stage Four enables you to engage in more advanced self-directed study and to acquire a critical and evaluative understanding of social work and related disciplines. You will also be developing your research skills culminating in the completion of a dissertation. This stage has two teaching blocks over a 15 month period.
- Teaching block week – June
- Teaching block week – January
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying at RGU:
Learning Methods
Work based degree delivered with a combination of on-campus learning, practice experience and tutor led learning supported by online resources.
There are two one-week on-campus teaching blocks per calendar year involving a variety of teaching methods and activities with a small cohort of other students. In addition, there will be some online teaching sessions throughout the year. Contact with personal tutors may be through Microsoft Teams, email or by telephone. Students will also benefit from regular group and/or individual tutorials. These will predominantly take place over Teams but depending on the circumstances may take place in the student’s personal area following discussion. All modules at each stage of the course are compulsory and developmental feedback will be provided for each module. Each stage of the course is worth 120 academic credits. The degree classification is based on the marks obtained for modules taken at Stage 4. Completion of studies will be ratified at the course Assessment Board which usually sits in October.
The online element of the course is delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), CampusMoodle.
CampusMoodle offers you the flexibility of where and when you choose to study and gives you full open access to tutors and other class members. You will have the benefit of being part of a group of learners with the invaluable opportunity to participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting. The online campus provides you with course materials which include:
- Online activities
- Discussion forums - student and tutor led
- Up-to-date web technology for delivery methods
- User friendly material
Activity Summary
- Lectures - approx 40 students per group, for 12 hours per semester
- Webinars - approx 40 students per group, for 8 hours per semester
- Tutorial - approx 8 students per group, for 8 hours per semester
- Independent study - 12 hours per week
- Workshops - approx 40 students per group, for 16 hours per semester
How long is a BA (Hons) Social Work - Distance Learning course?
A Social Work - Distance Learning course can be completed part time, over:
- 2 years and 4 months (Advanced Entry - May start)
- 3 years and 8 months (Standard Entry - January start)
Independent Study
There is a strong emphasis on independent study where you are encouraged to research materials. All modules will direct you to indicative and recommended reading.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our class sizes are small, and this, along with a high level of contact time with staff, enables us to provide a friendly and supportive learning environment.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
stage 2
- 1 written exam, typically for 2.5 hours
- 5 written assignments, including essays
- 1 practical skills assessment
- 1 recorded reflective presentation
stage 3
- 5 written assignments, including essays
- 1 practical skills assessment
- 1 recorded reflective presentation
stage 4
- 5 written assignments, including essays
- 1 dissertation
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all coursework.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
Stage 2 entrants complete two assessed practice learning placements, one of 60 days starting in the January of the second calendar year of study, and one of 100 days starting in the January of the third calendar year of study. There is the possibility of the 60 day placement being undertaken in your place of work with some adjustments made to your existing role. This might not be suitable in all cases and must be discussed and agreed with the course team.
Stage 3 entrants complete one assessed practice learning placement of 100 days, starting in the January after starting the course. This placement should be done with a different service user group in a different setting.
Stage 4 entrants - there is no placement requirement.
Placements are undertaken in a block period of full-time days. Course staff will work with you to identify suitable opportunities for your placement(s) in your locality.
Job Prospects
Is Social Work (Distance Learning) a good course choice?
Previous BA Social Work (Distance Learning) graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to enhance their current careers and progressed in main grade and managerial roles the following settings:
- Justice Social Work
- Children and Families Social Work
- Adult Social Work and Social Care
- Mental Health Social Work
RGUflex
Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. RGUflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where you can upskill, reskill or pursue a passion. It can also be used by employers to allow them to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.
Application Process
Closing dates
- Standard Entry to Stage 2 in January 2025 - Monday 4 November 2024
- Advanced Entry to Stage 3 in May 2025 - Monday 7 October 2024
This earlier date is to allow sufficient time for the preparation and submission of the Advanced Entry portfolio in 2025.
Selection Interviews
Selection interviews for the course will be held on the following dates:
- Standard Entry (Stage 2) – Wednesday 20 November 2024
- Advanced Entry (Stage 3) – Wednesday 2 October 2024
The selection interviews will usually involve a written task and an interview via Microsoft Teams.
Supplementary Documentation
Once you have submitted your application, you will be asked to submit some additional supplementary information and you will be provided with instructions on how to do this. You must complete the Supplementary Information Form and upload this as soon as possible. Part of this form needs to be completed by the relevant manager at your employing agency. Only fully completed applications which incorporate all the required supplementary information will be considered.
Admissions Timetable Summary 2024-25
Stage 2
- 5 August 2024 - Applications open
- 4 November 2024 - Applications close for Stage 2
- 20 November 2024 - Selection interviews for Stage 2
- 20 January 2025 - Induction block for Stage 2
Stage 3
- 5 August 2024 - Applications open
- 7 October 2024 - Applications close for Stage 3
- 23 October 2024 - Selection interviews for Stage 3
- Late November 2024 - Stage 3 applicants start portfolio
- 3 March 2025 - Portfolio submission date
- 12 May 2025 (approximate date) - Induction block for Stage 3
All candidates
In all cases, applicants must register with the Scottish Social Services Council and, to that end, must be subject to enquiry within the Scottish Government's Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. At the point of enrolling on the course at Standard or Advanced Entry students must have started the process of registration and this must be completed within 12 weeks of starting the course. Qualification Conversion Entry applicants will need to provide evidence of their SSSC or equivalent registration.
In addition, applicants must satisfy the requirements of the Scottish Social Services Council as laid out in the Standards in Social Work Education (SSSC 2019) in respect of language, literacy, numeracy and IT skills. Applicants require to have passed Standard Grade Maths or equivalent and failure to evidence this will require a numeracy test to be completed at the interview stage.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
What are the entry requirements for a BA (Hons) Social Work - Distance Learning course?
Standard Entry (Stage 2)
The Distance Learning route of the degree offers an alternative method of study for those who cannot attend a full time campus based social work course for various reasons e.g. geographical, financial or family commitments.
The Standard Entry route, which commences at SCQF8, is designed for employment based students who are seeking a professional qualification in social work and are able to evidence relevant SCQF7 level accreditation from prior certified and experiential learning equivalent to 120 academic credits.
All applicants must have a minimum of one year full-time experience (or equivalent if working part-time) in a professional social work or social care role involving direct service-user contact with a range of service users. Applicants must also be currently employed in a professional social work setting for a minimum of 17.5 hours per week and remain employed within the social work/care sector for the duration of the period of study.
Advanced Entry (Stage 3)
There is also an Advanced Entry point at Stage 3 (SCQF 9) which gives accreditation for previous professional employment experience and certificated learning. This enables candidates to work towards the degree over two and a quarter years instead of undertaking the full programme of study over three and a quarter years. This route can provide financial benefits for self-funding students in terms of cost.
Successful applicants will have previous relevant experience and previous certificated academic learning at Diploma of Higher Education or Degree level (240 academic points) in relevant cognate areas. Academic learning must include knowledge of social sciences and psychological theories. Applicants will require a minimum of two years experience of working within a social work practice setting incorporating direct service user contact involving assessments and interventions. For example, working as a social work assistant in a social work practice team. Applicants must also be currently employed in a social work setting for a minimum of 17.5 hours per week for the duration of the period of study.
Applicants are required to provide a portfolio of evidence to allow accreditation of previous experience and learning in order to gain this level of advanced entry. The portfolio is set by the course team following successful completion of the selection interview and will comprise of a practice assessment proforma based on practice from the applicant's current role which is supported by academic evidence. The portfolio will be assessed by the academic members of the course team. Applicants should also note that there is a nominal and non-refundable fee (currently £495) for the submission of the portfolio..
Qualification Conversion Entry (Stage 4)
This stage of entry is for professionally qualified social workers who already have 360 academic points. Applicants will also have the CQSW, CSS or the Dip. SW and have completed further certificated learning in, for example, Practice Teaching, MHO or Child Protection, or perhaps the Registered Managers Award.
This stage of entry allows applicants the opportunity to upgrade their current qualification to a BA (Hons) degree classification.
Applicants for this stage of entry must contact the Admissions Tutor in advance of submitting an application.
The Social Work - Distance learning course has the following tuition fees:
For Academic Year 2025/2026
- Scottish Students: £4,720 per stage
- Rest of UK Students: £7,010 per stage
- International Students: £7,010 per stage
For Academic Year 2024/2025
- Scottish Students: £4,570 per stage
- EU Students: £6,800 per stage
- Rest of UK Students: £6,800 per stage
- International Students: £6,800 per stage
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Social Work Traineeships
Employers who are interested in developing social work traineeships can contact either the course leader Kirstin Parkes via email at k.parkes1@rgu.ac.uk or admissions tutor Nicola Youngson via email at n.j.youngson@rgu.ac.uk to discuss.