The University of Chichester has a well-established track record of delivering successful qualifying and post-qualifying programmes for social workers and other professionals. The Graduate Diploma draws on our experience of delivering the BA (Hons) Post Qualifying Studies in Social Work and the Post Qualifying Child Care Award and will enable students to achieve the new, General Social Care Council (GSCC) accredited Specialist Social Work Award. Two specialist pathways are available: one comprises modules for workers in adults’ services; the second, discrete, pathway for workers in services for children, young people, their carers and families. On successful completion of the programme candidates will be awarded either the Specialist Award in Social Work with Children and Young People, their Families and Carers or the Specialist Award in Social Work with Adults.
Other professionals, service users and carers may study individual modules, or certificated courses within the programme. Students may also elect to undertake further modules to complete a “top-up” degree, or import credits from the Graduate Diploma into Masters level programmes at the University. Currently under development, these Masters programmes will enable students to achieve the Higher Specialist and Advanced Awards in Social Work.

The programme allows for social workers who possess the Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) to progress to a 'top up degree'. On successful completion of the Graduate Diploma, students may opt to take further modules: a research module and dissertation module to achieve the BA (Hons) Post Qualifying studies in Social Work.

Assessment

The Graduate Diploma will be awarded on the successful completion of six modules.

Attendance: Part Time Only

• The course is modular, allowing students to step on and step off the programme.
  
• Modules will typically be delivered in six, whole day workshops. Self-directed study and work-based learning and assessment are key features of the programme.
  
• Typically, you will attend the university for one day per fortnight.