Do it for building a meaningful career supporting children and families in Devon.
We offer a range of Children’s Social Work Traineeship pathways (for internal staff only) for individuals who aspire to build a rewarding career in Children’s social work. These programmes provide a structured, supportive route into the social work profession, combining academic study with hands‑on experience supporting children and families in Devon.
We annually offer two high‑quality training pathways designed to prepare future social workers with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed for frontline practice :
BA (Hons) Social Work Degree
– Three places offered annually
Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (PG Dip)
– Four places available annually
These programmes are delivered through the Open University and both routes require you to complete two placements within Children’s Social Care at Devon County Council. We pay the course fees, provide placement time and appropriate learning opportunities.
BA (Hons) Social Work Degree
This three‑year degree programme begins in October 2026. You’ll be expected to complete two modules per year and gain real‑life experience through multiple placements within Children’s Social Care.
Eligibility
For the BA you must –
- Have GCSEs at a minimum of grade 4 (C) in English and mathematics or certified equivalent at the point of application.
- Meet the UCAS tariff threshold of 96 points or equivalent. For UCAS Calculations check here UCAS Tariff Points – Calculate Your Entry Requirements
PG Diploma in Social Work
Starting in February 2027, this 19‑month programme includes a mandatory residential weekend in Milton Keynes (accommodation is covered, but travel isn’t).
Eligibility
For the PGDip you must:
- Minimum 2:2 degree in any discipline
- At least one year’s experience working with children and families in a relevant setting
- Applicants who do not meet the work experience requirement but hold a 2:1 classification in a cognate discipline will also be considered. Relevant subjects include:Health and Social Care, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Sociology/Social Studies, Law/Legal studies, or Teaching/Education.
- Have GCSE grade 9–4 (A*–C) in English and mathematics or certified equivalent.
Criteria
We are looking for enthusiastic and highly motivated social care employees within Children’s Social Care who:
Have current or previous work experience in social care
Can demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm for social work training
Must be committed to work in frontline social work and to completing the ASYE programme on completion of your qualification
Meet the entry requirements of the Open University Social Work Degree Program (you will need to present original copies of your qualifications at interview)
Have shown an interest in social work as a career through your supervision/appraisal process
Have the support of your Line Manager and Area/ Operations Manager as you will remain in your substantive post during the course of the degree with no backfill.
Will be committed to remain working for Devon County Council in Children’s Social Care for at least two years post-qualifying.
The application process for the programmes are now closed!
For staff wanting to apply for the BA Social Work Degree or the PGDip, the application process for the 2026 programmes are now closed. Watch this space for future programmes!
Want to find out more about Children's Social Care? Get in touch
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