Are you passionate about helping others and making a real difference in your community? A career in social work is incredibly rewarding, but figuring out the right qualifications can feel daunting, especially when juggling work and family. The good news? Flexible online learning has opened up new pathways. High-quality online courses for social work now offer a direct and accessible route to the qualifications you need to get into university and start your journey.
This guide will help you navigate your options with confidence. We’ll explore why studying social work online is so beneficial and break down the best courses available, from university-level degrees to flexible diplomas.
Looking for a fast, recognised route to a social work degree? Let's dive into one of the most effective options available today.
1. Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work) – Stonebridge Associated Colleges
For aspiring social workers in the UK, the Stonebridge Associated Colleges – Access to HE Diploma (Social Work) is a premier choice. This online course is specifically designed as a fast-track to university, providing the equivalent of three A-Levels. It’s the perfect solution if you’re changing careers or have been out of education for a while and need the right qualifications to apply for a social work degree.
What makes Stonebridge unique is its unparalleled flexibility. You can learn from home, at your own pace, without attending any exams. With an average completion time of just 9-12 months, you can get on the path to university much faster than with traditional routes. As a leading UK distance learning provider, Stonebridge ensures their qualification is nationally recognised and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), so you can be confident in the quality of your education.
Course Structure and Syllabus
This diploma provides the ideal foundation for university study. The modules are tailored to give you the knowledge you’ll need to hit the ground running on a social work degree.
Key modules include:
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Academic Skills: Get university-ready with modules on Academic Writing Skills and Reading and Note Making.
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Psychology Deep Dive: Understand human behaviour through Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Perspectives in Psychology.
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Societal Context: Explore complex issues like Crime and Society, The Family, Poverty in Contemporary Britain, and Social Inequality.
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Core Social Work Principles: Get to the heart of the profession with modules on The Role and Responsibilities of a Social Worker, Social Care Provisions, and Understanding the Welfare State.
Key Features and Practical Benefits
This diploma is more than just a qualification; it’s your direct pathway to a fulfilling career helping others. By studying online, you have complete flexibility to move through the modules at your own pace. You'll receive an Individual Learning Plan to keep you on track, and you have up to two years to complete the course if needed.
Expert Insight: The Access to HE Diploma is a game-changer for adult learners. It removes the barriers of traditional A Levels, offering a focused and efficient route to university that fits around your life.
Why It Stands Out
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Feature |
Advantage |
Best For |
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University Pathway |
Equivalent to 3 A-Levels, meeting most university entry requirements. |
Individuals without traditional qualifications who want to study a degree. |
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Flexible Online Learning |
Learn from home at your own pace with no exams. |
People balancing work, family, and study commitments. |
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Comprehensive Curriculum |
Covers academic skills, psychology, and social work principles. |
Students wanting a strong, relevant foundation before starting university. |
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Fast Completion Time |
Average completion in just 9-12 months. |
Career changers who want to get qualified and into a new role quickly. |
Ultimately, Stonebridge Associated Colleges provides one of the most accessible and supportive online courses for social work preparation in the UK. If you want to learn more, you can find further information on how to get an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
Website: Stonebridge Associated Colleges – Access to HE Diploma (Social Work)
2. British Association of Social Workers (BASW) – Training & CPD
For social workers practising in the UK, the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is the definitive source for professional development. As the largest professional association for social work in the UK, its online courses are specifically designed to meet the rigorous standards and ethical guidelines required by UK regulators. This makes it an essential resource for both newly qualified and experienced practitioners.
What sets BASW apart is its direct link to the profession. The training isn't generic; it's developed by social workers for social workers, addressing real-world challenges in areas like child protection, adult safeguarding, and mental health. This focus ensures the content is always relevant, current, and mapped to the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).
Key Features and Offerings
BASW’s platform provides a mix of live online sessions, multi-week programmes, and on-demand learning. This variety caters to different learning preferences and schedules. Courses clearly state the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours you will earn, and you receive a formal certificate upon completion to add to your professional portfolio.
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UK-Specific Content: Training is tailored for practice in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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Member Benefits: While open to all, BASW members receive significant discounts on courses and access to free events and resources.
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Specialised Programmes: There are dedicated courses for Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSWs), practice educators, and even Overseas Qualified Social Workers (OQSWs) needing to adapt to UK systems.
Expert Insight: Unlike generic course providers, BASW’s training is directly aligned with professional body standards. This means the CPD you gain is highly credible and recognised by employers and regulatory bodies across the UK.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
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Credible and Authoritative: As the professional body, its training is trusted and respected. |
High Demand: Popular cohort-based courses can sell out quickly, requiring you to book in advance. |
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Relevant CPD: All courses provide formal certificates and count towards your required CPD hours. |
UK Focus: Content may be less relevant for social workers practising outside of the UK. |
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Support for All Levels: Offers targeted support for students, NQSWs, and experienced practitioners. |
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Flexible Learning: A good mix of live, interactive sessions and self-paced on-demand content is available to suit your needs. |
BASW is the go-to platform if you need accredited, practice-focused online courses for social work that directly support your career progression within the UK. If you are just starting your journey, you can learn more about how to become a social worker to understand the full pathway.
Website: https://www.basw.co.uk/training-cpd
3. The Open University (OU) – Degrees, modules and free OpenLearn
The Open University (OU) is a giant in UK distance learning, providing a structured yet flexible path for those aspiring to become social workers. It offers a fully recognised BA (Hons) Social Work degree that is approved by regulators across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals who need to balance study with work, family, or other commitments but still want a formal, university-level qualification.
What makes the OU stand out is its blend of formal degree-level education with free, accessible introductory content. Through its OpenLearn platform, prospective students can take short taster courses related to social care and social work. This unique "try before you buy" approach allows you to gauge your interest and readiness for degree-level study without any financial commitment, building confidence before embarking on a multi-year programme.
Key Features and Offerings
The OU’s model is built around supported online learning, combining self-paced study with structured tutorials and dedicated tutor support. The social work degree includes mandatory practice placements, ensuring students gain the essential hands-on experience required for professional registration. The credit-based modules allow for a clear, step-by-step progression through the curriculum.
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Recognised UK-Wide Degrees: The BA (Hons) Social Work is a qualifying degree, respected by employers and regulatory bodies throughout the UK.
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Free Taster Courses: The OpenLearn platform offers a huge catalogue of free courses, such as 'Introduction to social work', complete with statements of participation.
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Flexible Pace: While the degree has a defined structure, its part-time nature is designed to fit around the lives of adult learners.
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Structured Support: Students receive comprehensive support from a dedicated tutor, access to student forums, and extensive online library resources.
Expert Insight: The OU excels at guiding students who have been out of formal education for a while. Its structured approach and free preparatory materials on OpenLearn are perfect for building the academic skills and confidence needed to succeed in a demanding degree programme.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
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Highly Reputable and Trusted: Qualifications are well-regarded by UK social work employers. |
Significant Time Commitment: A full degree is a multi-year commitment, unlike short CPD courses. |
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Excellent for Career Changers: Provides a complete pathway to becoming a qualified social worker. |
Admissions Requirements: Entry onto the degree course has specific academic and placement criteria. |
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Try Before You Enrol: Free OpenLearn courses allow you to sample the subject matter and learning style. |
Less Suited for Quick CPD: The primary focus is on formal qualifications rather than short skill top-ups. |
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Structured Distance Learning: Combines flexibility with robust academic and pastoral support for students. |
For those serious about becoming a qualified practitioner, the OU provides one of the most credible and well-supported online courses for social work leading to a full degree. It is the definitive choice for learners seeking a comprehensive, university-level education with the flexibility of distance learning.
Website: https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/social-work
4. FutureLearn – UK-based MOOC platform
For those exploring a career in social care or seeking foundational knowledge, FutureLearn offers a highly accessible entry point. As a leading Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platform, it partners with top UK universities and institutions to provide short courses that are perfect for beginners, career changers, or professionals needing a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refresher on specific topics.
What makes FutureLearn stand out is its focus on bite-sized, flexible learning. Courses are broken down into manageable weekly units, often requiring just a few hours of study per week. This format is ideal for fitting learning around existing work or life commitments. While not offering full social work qualifications, its courses, often developed by The Open University, provide a strong overview of UK social care systems, policies, and specific roles within the sector.
Key Features and Offerings
FutureLearn’s model is built around flexibility and accessibility. You can often access course materials for free for a limited time, with the option to upgrade for ongoing access and a certificate of achievement. Its ExpertTracks offer a more structured learning path, bundling several courses together to provide a deeper understanding of a subject.
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Bite-Sized Learning: Most courses are structured into weekly blocks, typically lasting 2-4 weeks with around 4 hours of study per week.
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UK-Focused Content: Many courses concentrate on UK social care systems, legislation, and roles, making the content highly relevant for UK-based learners.
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University Partnerships: Content is created by reputable institutions, ensuring a high standard of academic quality for introductory material.
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ExpertTracks: Subscription-based learning paths provide a curated sequence of courses on topics like social care, with a free trial available.
Expert Insight: FutureLearn is an excellent low-risk platform to test the waters of social work. Before committing to a full degree or diploma, you can explore foundational topics and confirm if the field aligns with your career goals.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
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Beginner-Friendly Content: Ideal for exploring social care careers without a major commitment. |
Cyclical Availability: Some courses run on a set schedule and may have pauses between cohorts. |
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UK-Specific Examples: Courses frequently focus on UK policy and practical scenarios. |
Not a Professional Qualification: These courses are for CPD or introductory learning, not licensure. |
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Flexible and Accessible: Bite-sized weekly units make it easy to learn around a busy schedule. |
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Reputable Course Providers: Content is developed by well-regarded UK universities and employers. |
FutureLearn is one of the best platforms for accessible and introductory online courses for social work, especially if you want to understand the UK's social care landscape before pursuing a formal qualification.
Website: https://www.futurelearn.com
5. Coursera – Global university-level social work courses and specialisations
Coursera provides a vast catalogue of university-backed courses, making it an excellent resource if you want to explore social work topics from a global perspective. Featuring content from world-renowned institutions like the University of Michigan and Columbia University, the platform offers academic rigour on a flexible, on-demand basis. This makes it ideal for supplementing existing knowledge or exploring specialised areas of social justice, policy, and mental health.
What sets Coursera apart is its university-led content and structured learning pathways. Many courses are part of broader 'Specialisations' or 'MasterTrack' certificates, allowing you to build a comprehensive understanding of a subject area. While many individual courses can be audited for free, paying for a certificate or a Coursera Plus subscription unlocks graded assessments and formal credentials to add to your CV.
Key Features and Offerings
Coursera’s platform is built around university-style learning, complete with video lectures, reading materials, peer forums, and graded assignments. The user-friendly interface allows you to track your progress easily, and courses clearly display learner ratings, time commitments, and syllabuses to help you make an informed choice.
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University-Level Content: Access courses developed and taught by academics from top global universities.
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Flexible Access: Audit many courses for free or subscribe to Coursera Plus for unlimited access to thousands of courses with certificates.
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Specialised Pathways: Enrol in multi-course specialisations to gain in-depth knowledge in areas like social welfare policy or mental health.
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Global Perspective: Content covers a broad range of international approaches to social work, policy, and research.
Expert Insight: Coursera is particularly useful for exploring academic theories and research in social work from an international standpoint. It's a great way to broaden your understanding beyond UK-specific frameworks before committing to a formal qualification.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
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Prestigious Content: Learn from leading academics and institutions without the cost of university enrolment. |
Not UK-Specific: Content may not align with UK legislation, policy, or regulatory CPD standards. |
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Broad Topical Coverage: Find courses on almost any niche within social work, from policy to clinical practice. |
Variable Quality: As content is from various institutions, the quality and depth can differ. |
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Cost-Effective Options: Free auditing and frequent discounts make learning highly accessible. |
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Structured Learning Paths: Specialisations offer a guided route to mastering a particular subject. |
Coursera is an outstanding choice for those seeking university-quality online courses for social work with an international focus. It is perfect for professional development and expanding your theoretical knowledge base.
Website: https://www.coursera.org
6. SCIE (Social Care Institute for Excellence) – CPD-accredited e-learning and webinars
For practitioners in the UK looking for evidence-based and legally grounded training, the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) is a vital resource. As a leading charity, SCIE produces courses rooted in research and best practice, making its content highly respected across the adult and children's social care sectors. Their e-learning is specifically developed to support professionals in navigating complex UK legislation and policy.
What distinguishes SCIE is its sharp focus on practical application within the UK’s legal frameworks, such as the Care Act and Mental Capacity Act (MCA). The courses are not just theoretical; they use scenario-based learning to build confidence and competence in real-world situations. This ensures that the professional development you undertake is directly relevant to your day-to-day practice and meets regulatory standards.
Key Features and Offerings
SCIE’s platform offers a catalogue of CPD-accredited e-learning modules that include assessments and provide formal certificates upon completion. The pricing is transparent, and the platform is designed for easy purchasing by individuals or entire teams, with volume discounts available for organisations looking to train their staff.
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Legislation and Policy Focused: Content is centred on UK law, including safeguarding, the Care Act, MCA, and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS).
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CPD Accredited: All courses are CPD-certified, helping you meet professional development requirements with recognised qualifications.
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Practical Learning: Courses use interactive scenarios and case studies to embed knowledge and apply it to practice.
Expert Insight: SCIE excels at translating complex legislation into practical, accessible training. Their courses are ideal for ensuring your entire team is compliant and confident in applying legal principles correctly in their work.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
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Well-Recognised Provider: SCIE is a trusted and authoritative name in UK social care training. |
Niche Focus: The catalogue is specialised and may lack broader or introductory-level topics. |
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Legally Grounded Content: Courses are directly relevant to UK law and professional practice. |
Less Variety: Offers fewer courses compared to large MOOC marketplaces like Coursera or edX. |
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Organisational Discounts: Volume licensing makes it cost-effective for training teams and services. |
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Practical and Applicable: Scenario-based learning helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. |
SCIE is an excellent choice for targeted online courses for social work that focus on strengthening your legal literacy and practical skills within UK social care. For those particularly interested in this area, you can learn more about how to develop your career in adult social care to see how specialised training fits into your progression.
Website: https://www.scie.org.uk/shop/
7. Reed Courses – UK training marketplace (Social Work/Social Care category)
For those seeking a vast marketplace of training options, Reed Courses is a major UK-based aggregator that lists thousands of social work and social care courses from a wide array of providers. This platform functions like a superstore for professional development, allowing you to compare everything from short, unaccredited CPD refreshers to regulated qualifications from awarding bodies like NCFE/CACHE, all in one place. It is particularly useful for finding budget-friendly options for quick skills updates.
What makes Reed Courses stand out is its sheer volume and the competitive pricing driven by its marketplace model. Courses are frequently discounted or bundled, and you can instantly enrol and gain access to materials. The platform's powerful filters let you narrow down your search by price, provider, qualification level, and delivery method, making it easy to find a course that fits your specific needs and budget.
Key Features and Offerings
Reed’s strength lies in its comprehensive and easy-to-navigate catalogue. It clearly labels courses as either regulated qualifications or general CPD, helping you distinguish between formal credentials and skills-based training. Instant online purchase and access mean you can start learning within minutes.
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Extensive, Filterable Catalogue: Easily search thousands of courses by price, awarding body, and level to find the right fit.
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Budget-Friendly Options: Many courses are available for under £30, making it an accessible platform for topping up CPD hours.
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Regulated and Unregulated Courses: Offers a mix of formal qualifications (such as those accredited by CACHE) and unaccredited professional development courses.
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Frequent Sales and Discounts: The competitive marketplace environment often leads to significant price reductions and special offers.
Expert Insight: Reed Courses is best used as a starting point for exploring affordable CPD. Always double-check the accreditation and provider reputation before purchasing, especially if you need the qualification for regulatory or employment purposes.
Pros and Cons
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Pros |
Cons |
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Very Affordable: A huge selection of low-cost courses for quick skill boosts. |
Quality Varies: The quality and recognition of courses differ significantly between providers. |
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Quick Completion: Many courses can be completed quickly for immediate CPD. |
User Responsibility: You must independently verify the accreditation and validity of a course. |
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One-Stop Comparison: A single platform to compare courses from many providers. |
Marketplace Format: It acts as a listing site, so support and course delivery are handled by third parties. |
Reed Courses is an excellent resource for finding affordable online courses for social work, especially if you need to quickly update your knowledge on a specific topic or add some low-cost CPD hours to your portfolio. It puts a world of training options at your fingertips but requires careful vetting to ensure the course meets your professional standards.
Website: https://www.reed.co.uk/courses/social-work/online
Take the Next Step Towards Your Social Work Career
Choosing the right course is the first step toward a fulfilling career where you can make a real, lasting impact. With so many excellent online courses for social work, there’s a pathway that fits your goals, budget, and lifestyle.
Remember to think about your long-term ambitions. Are you aiming for university entry, seeking to meet CPD requirements, or exploring a new specialism?
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For University Entry: An Access to HE Diploma is your most direct and flexible route.
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For Professional Development: Look to BASW and SCIE for UK-specific, accredited CPD.
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For Exploring the Field: Use platforms like FutureLearn and Coursera to gain foundational knowledge without a big commitment.
Embarking on an online social work course is an investment in your future and in the lives of those you will one day support. Seize the opportunity to build your skills, broaden your perspective, and become the social worker you aspire to be.
Ready to transform your passion into a profession? Stonebridge Associated Colleges offers a flexible Access to Higher Education Diploma (Social Work) designed for adult learners like you. Their innovative subscription model allows you to study at your own pace with affordable monthly payments and the freedom to pause or cancel anytime.
Explore their fully online, QAA-regulated pathway today and take the first step toward the university degree and career you’ve always wanted.
