Social Work | Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons)
Start Date: January 2026

Entering higher education requires specific skills and attributes to both manage your studies, and to communicate effectively your ideas within the academic community. This module aims to support this development at a level appropriate for where you join your programme of study.

You will explore the underpinning skills, which support academic study and which thereby, support the remainder of your programme. These skills will also benefit you in the workplace and are transferrable in terms of creating effective business reports and delivering verbal and written presentations.

You will develop your academic and intellectual skills, through learning about your own preferred approach to learning, the conventions of academic writing and wider communication skills, how to source appropriate information to support your studies through ethical primary and secondary research, and the development of critical reading and writing.

The outline syllabus will be based on the following themes:

• NU approach to Research Rich Learning and Teaching
• Learning styles and academic literacies – how these influence learning
• Managing study – appropriate management of yourself, and your projects and tasks
• Searching for information to support effective study - conducting primary and secondary research
• Effective reading and note-taking skills
• Academic Writing – how to write effective academic assignments, in a range of different genres
• Professional Writing - in particular the presentation of research and management reports
• Developing criticality – the use of criticality to support the development of an independent voice
• Citation and referencing skills – how to appropriately acknowledge the sources of the information that you use
• Ethics – the importance of ethics in study and research
• Introduction to business research skills and methods
• Digital Portfolio Building - Pebble Plus

This module focuses on academic, research skills and critical reflection and apprentices can expect to cover a range of related topics essential for effective study on a qualifying social work degree apprentice programme. They will develop academic, research and critical thinking abilities for analysing information and making sound decisions. They will learn basic research skills to effectively locate, evaluate and utilise academic and data sources. An important skill for social work practice is the ability to write well, which requires skills in clarity, organisation and proper referencing. This module will consequently enhance development of written and oral English and maths as the module emphasises academic integrity, ensuring apprentices understand correct academic citation and how to avoid plagiarism as well as how to access, analyse and make sense of qualitative and quantitative data. Apprentices will learn how to utilise online resources and technologies, including managing research data and AI with integrity and for appropriate use for social work practice and in academic writing. Apprentices will also learn to deliver authoritative and engaging presentations and manage their time effectively including setting goals and prioritising tasks. . Apprentices will develop skills in effective notetaking and critical reading and writing, which involves actively engaging with texts to understand their methods, arguments, assumptions and implications, as well as evaluating their credibility and relevance. Apprentices will learn techniques for approaching and solving problems systematically, in academic and practice contexts.

The Introduction to Law and Social Policy module will provide a foundation for lawful, ethical, and safe practice; enabling apprentices to understand the technical and applied aspects of social work law. It will provide apprentices with an opportunity to develop critical knowledge and skills in legal literacy and an understanding of the ethical, rights-based and social justice basis of social work practice. The module themes will be explored with reference to the Children Act 1989; The Care Act 2014; The Mental Capacity Act 2005; The Human Rights Act 1989, The United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, and the Equality Act 2010.

This module will equip apprentices with the foundational knowledge and skills for social work within the required legal frameworks which inform practice. We will examine social policy, exploring how it shapes the services available and the impact on individuals and communities. Apprentices will gain a foundational understanding of the legal frameworks that govern social work, along with the roles and responsibilities social workers hold within those legal contexts. Ethical considerations, the relevance and application of Social Work England's professional standards, and legal duties towards service users and communities will also be addressed. The importance of human rights in social work will be examined, highlighting a role as an advocate for social justice and how legal and policy knowledge empowers social workers to champion the needs of marginalised populations. Finally, the module will explore the importance of collaboration with other professionals, emphasising effective communication and partnership-building and collaborative-working skills as essential tools for success in the field.

The Social Context and Theory module serves as the cornerstone for first-year social work apprentices. It equips them with a critical lens to understand the intricate interplay between social issues, legal frameworks and the values that underpin effective social work practice. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, apprentices will explore the diverse landscapes that social workers navigate.
Apprentices will delve into the roles and responsibilities of social workers. This includes exploring the legal frameworks and ethical considerations that guide their practice, with a strong emphasis on upholding human rights. They will also gain a solid understanding of key legal structures and legislative processes relevant to social work with adults and children. The module delves into the impact of social, economic and political environments on individuals, families, and communities. Apprentices will critically analyse how these factors shape social issues and the importance of advocating for social justice and equity. Additionally, they will explore the rich tapestry of social work contexts, both nationally and internationally. This could involve looking at issues like migration, refugee support, and the impact of climate change on social policies.

The module focuses on fostering core skills essential for social workers. Apprentices will develop foundational communication skills to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds in different social work settings. They will also begin cultivating critical reflection skills to analyse their own experiences and decision-making processes, a key aspect of lifelong learning. Integrating service-user perspectives into planning and delivering social services will be emphasised, ensuring user voices are heard and valued.

The module recognises the importance of values in social work practice. Apprentices will develop a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Cultural humility and inclusivity will be emphasised, fostering respect for individual differences. Ethical decision-making principles will be introduced, guiding apprentices to uphold integrity in professional relationships. Apprentices will begin to understand the importance of promoting social justice within the social work profession. The concept of professional identity and its alignment with core social work values will be introduced. Finally, apprentices will explore the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection in social work practice and develop a budding sense of advocacy for ensuring equitable access to social care.

This module serves as a foundational step towards becoming a registered Social Worker, providing apprentices with essential skills for navigating the complexities of contemporary social work. Emphasising communication skills, it cultivates skills in understanding, supporting, and engaging with people effectively. Central to this are empathy and emotional intelligence, enabling apprentices to recognise, understand, and manage emotions, fostering deeper connections with people. Culturally competent communication is highlighted, emphasising the importance of cultural awareness, respect, and adaptability. Establishing rapport and trust through genuineness, boundary maintenance, and consistency are important in effective communication in practice settings. Nonverbal communication, including body language and eye contact, is honed to convey openness and engagement with people. Ethical considerations, such as confidentiality and transparency, underscore every professional interaction. Through simulated practices, case studies, and peer feedback, apprentices refine their skills, applying them to diverse scenarios. This comprehensive approach equips future social workers with the proficiency and sensitivity necessary to make meaningful impacts in the lives of people.