Evaluating the role of flexible methods of delivering social work education in widening access to professional qualification

Social workers play a key role in society, challenging disadvantaged and working with, and on behalf of, vulnerable people. Good practice requires a diverse group of professionals who reflect the communities they serve.

Social work education prepares practitioners with knowledge but also, through its structure and delivery, determines access to social work.

This doctoral study, completed by Pauline Franklin, Senior Lecturer in social work, explored how flexibility in postgraduate social work education supported access to the profession for those with personal qualities identified as desirable.

Over a four year period the profile of 162 postgraduate pre-registration social work students was examined. Trends and patterns were identified across and within the student group that indicate a need to broaden notions of flexibility in programme structure and delivery. Without this, postgraduate study may reinforce current structural inequality, with BME and older students facing multiple disadvantages.

Findings also suggest a need for greater consideration of the relationship between social care and social work. Recommendations made include development of a modular approach; delivery methods that facilitate local study; and establishing a “whole-career” approach to social work education.