Course details
This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with a 60-credit module introducing health and social care followed by another 60-credit module, which explores the ideas and ways of working with people that underpins social work practice with a range of different service user groups.
- Next, in Stage 2, you can choose from a variety of modules to complete your diploma.
Optional Access module – visit Entry requirements to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.
Stage 1 will develop your awareness of the different components of good social work practice while building essential study skills – including digital and information literacy and reflective writing. Key concepts around how to communicate effectively and developing your listening skills will start opening up your thinking about how professional practice is informed and underpinned by theory.
At Stage 2, a choice of subject areas enables you to tailor the diploma to your particular interests – including adult health and social care; mental health; end-of-life care; dementia care; the law and social work; and working with children and young people.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 04 March 2019.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Diploma of Higher Education in Social Care (Scotland) uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- working in a group with other students
- using and producing diagrams and screenshots
- undertaking practical work
- finding external/third party material online.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our Disability support website to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On completion of this undergraduate course, we'll award you the Diploma of Higher Education in Social Care (Scotland).
Recognition in your country
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this diploma, but you need to be working in or have access to a social care agency – for example, through voluntary work.
Note that for the module Foundations for social work practice (K113) you’ll need to organise and complete a period of 10 days’ preparation for practice which must involve shadowing a qualified social worker.
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Counting previous study
You could save time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study towards this qualification, if you have:
- already studied at university level (even if you didn't finish your studies)
- other professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs
Find out more about credit transfer
Skills for career development
In addition to specific understanding and skills around health and social care, this certificate will build your confidence by steadily developing and enhancing your study skills – including digital and information literacy and reflective writing – and a range of essential employability skills in areas such as communication, IT, problem-solving, planning and organisation.
Career relevance
Some of the modules that make up this diploma course also form part of the BA (Honours) Social Work (Scotland) (Q41) – so if you’re considering a career in social work, it provides an excellent introduction.
Please note, however, that this diploma course does not give automatic entry to the social work degree programme, which requires you to attend an interview and meet specific entry requirements, including working in a social care setting and meeting minimum academic requirements in maths and English.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice. This includes online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):
- Social worker
- Care home manager
- Probation officer
- Prison officer
- Lecturer
- Adult guidance worker
- Advice worker
- Careers adviser
- Charity officer
- Community development worker
- Equality and diversity officer
- Counsellor
- Health promotion specialist
- Volunteer coordinator
- Youth worker.