Social Work - Distance Learning

Due to changes to the Rules and Requirements for Social Work Education the existing structure of the course is being changed for the Standard Entry intake planned for December 2026. 

The Advanced Entry intake in May 2027 will follow the existing course structure and will change to the new course structure for admission in 2028.

December 2026 Standard Entry

Stage 2

Stage 2 enables you to develop knowledge and understanding of the role of contemporary social work practice. You will also begin to develop your skills in reflective practice linking the knowledge you have gained to your workplace. There are two on campus teaching blocks during the 13 months of this Standard Entry stage.

• Online induction day – December 
• On campus teaching block week – January
• On campus teaching block week – June

Stage 3

For students progressing from Stage 2 or joining via Advanced Entry from January 2028 this stage is over a 17 month period and comprises of three on campus teaching blocks and a 90 day assessed placement.

Stage Three enables you to apply advanced social work skills and knowledge to specific client groups. This will be demonstrated by a greater level of independent study and increasing competence in social work practice.

• On campus teaching block week – January
• On campus teaching block week - June
• On campus pre-placement teaching block week – January
• 90 day placement (January – May)

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 a 90 day placement and two on campus teaching blocks over a 15 month period.

• On campus teaching block week – June
• On campus pre-placement teaching block week – January
• 90 day placement (January to May)

May 2027 Advanced Entry

Stage 3

For students progressing from Stage 2, who joined the course in January 2026, or joining via Advanced Entry this stage is over a 13 month period and comprises of two on campus teaching blocks and a 100 day assessed placement.

Stage Three enables you 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.

• On campus teaching block week - May
• On campus 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.

• On campus teaching block week – June
• On campus 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 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), Moodle.

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 2027 start)
• 3 years and 9 months (Standard Entry - December 2026 start)
• 2 years and 8 months (Advanced Entry – May 2028)

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

Standard Entry

Typically students are assessed each year:

Stage 2

• 1 written exam, typically for 2.5 hours
• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 portfolio

Stage 3

• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 portfolio
• 2 oral assessment and/or presentation
• 1  practice learning opportunity

Stage 4

• 3 written assignments, including essays
• 1 dissertation
• 1 portfolio
• 1 oral assessment and/or presentation
• 1  practice learning opportunity

Advanced Entry

Advanced entry students will typically be assessed via:

Stage 3

• 5 written assignments, including essays
• 1 oral assessment and/or presentation
• 1  practice learning opportunity

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 and Stage 3 entrants joining the course in December 2026 and May 2028 will complete two assessed practice learning placements, one of 90 days which commences a year after starting stage 3 of the course, and another 90 day placement which starts seven months into stage 4.. There is the possibility of the first 90 day placement being undertaken in your place of work with adjustments made to your existing role to ensure that you get full access to learning opportunities.Your workplace might not be suitable for a placement setting and any arrangements must be discussed and agreed with the course team.

The second 90 day placement should be done with a different service user group in a different setting.

For Advanced Entry applicants joining the course in May 2027 there will be one 100 day placement to complete starting in January 2028. This will be completed with a different service user group in a different setting.

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 in a variety of settings all over the UK including::

• Justice Social Work
• Children and Families Social Work
• Adult Social Work and Social Care
• Mental Health Social Work

Application Process

Closing dates

• Standard Entry to Stage 2 in December 2026 - Monday 14 September 2026
• Advanced Entry to Stage 3 in May 2027 - Monday 12 October 2026

This earlier date is to allow sufficient time for the preparation and submission of the Advanced Entry portfolio in 2027 as part of the selection process.

Selection Interviews

Selection interviews for the course will be held on the following dates:

• Standard Entry (Stage 2) - Wednesday 30 September 2026
• Advanced Entry (Stage 3) - Wednesday 28 October 2026

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 2026-27

Stage 2

• 29 June 2026 - Applications open
• 14 September 2026 - Applications close for Stage 2
• 30 September 2026 - Selection interviews for Stage 2
• 14 December 2026 – Online induction
• 18 January 2027 - Initial on campus teaching block for Stage 2

Stage 3 Advanced Entry

• 29 June 2026 - Applications open
• 12 October 2026 - Applications close for Stage 3
• 28 October 2026 - Selection interviews for Stage 3
• Late November 2026 - Stage 3 applicants start portfolio
• 1 March 2027 - Portfolio submission date
• 10 May 2027  - Induction on campus teaching 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 or equivalent 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 a shorter period of time. 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 and continue to be 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. For example, applicants will hold the CQSW, CSS or the Dip. SW qualification and have completed further certificated learning in, for example, Practice Education, Mental Health Officer Award, Child Protection, or 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.