It is designed to integrate the theoretical and practical aspects of social work into a basic professional qualifying course, relevant to practice in fieldwork, residential and day services. The School has a strong commitment to the widening of access into higher education for under-represented groups with particular reference to women, mature and black candidates and candidates with disabilities. The Diploma is integrated into the Faculty modular degree scheme.
Candidates can apply for accreditation of prior learning.
Full-time units in the first year are designed to be at level 1 and the second year at level 2 of the scheme. The first and second years of the course are equivalent to the first and second years of a full-time degree course and consequently the Diploma can be converted into a degree through further studies. The placements are assessed and supervised within partnership agencies and a network of voluntary agencies. Course Content Years 1 and 2 are common for the DipHE and BSc routes. Year 1 includes one semester in college studying social work methods, professional development, legal studies, sociology, psychology and social policy, within a framework of knowledge and understanding of anti-oppressive practices.