The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) has launched its campaign, ‘#Yes2SocialWork’, encouraging people from all ages and all walks of life to consider studying the Degree in Social Work in Northern Ireland.
The Social Care Council delivers the campaign annually on behalf of the Department of Health (DoH) to promote not only the benefits of studying the Degree in Social Work, but also the different career paths following graduation to teachers, parents and potential social work students.
Following on from the success of last year’s campaign, this year features a renewed focus on the different pathways into the social work degree and the diverse range of areas of practice.
In particular, the 2025 campaign will highlight the Relevant Graduate Route (RGR) which is the opportunity for graduates of degrees such as psychology, sociology, law or criminology to complete the Degree in Social Work in an accelerated two-year course.
It will also emphasise that graduates of the Degree in Social Work are qualified social workers, and can start work straight away with many opportunities for professional development and career progression.
“Social work is a profession that changes lives, not just for service users but also for those who choose to join the profession,” said Tracy Reid, Chief Executive for the Social Care Council.
“Studying the Degree in Social Work is the chance to make a real impact. Whether leaving school, wondering what to do after finishing a course, or looking for a career change, social work offers purpose, career progression and the chance to make a real impact on others’ lives.”
“The social work profession supports and protects people at vulnerable points in their lives”, said Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker at the Department of Health.
“Being a social worker is about making a difference to individuals, families and communities. It requires empathy, compassion, communication and relationships skills as well as a commitment to equality and social justice. This campaign is about showing people that social work is a rewarding professional career which makes an invaluable contribution to our health and social care services.”
This year’s campaign will also feature first-hand accounts from those studying and practicing social work, resources to help potential students through the application process and engagement with careers teachers and advisers.
The Degree in Social Work is currently offered at five universities and colleges in Northern Ireland:
– Queen’s University Belfast.
– Ulster University (Magee Campus).
– Belfast Metropolitan College (Millfield Campus).
– South West College (Dungannon Campus).
– Open University (this an employer sponsored route).
Information on applying to the Degree in Social Work can be found here, the deadline for UCAS applications is 14 January 2026.
Students who complete the Degree, both as undergraduates and through the Relevant Graduate Route (RGR) will study classroom-based theory and spend time gaining practical experience through Practice Learning Opportunities (PLOs) throughout their courses. All social work students, living and studying in Northern Ireland, are eligible for an annual incentive payment of £4,500 to help support them through their studies.
Want to know more?
To learn more about the campaign and steps to get started in applying to the Degree in social work, explore the website here, or read some of our social work stories.
You can also watch our animations explaining the Undergraduate and Relevant Graduate Routes into the Degree.
The Honours Degree in Social Work – 3 Year Undergraduate Route (UGR)
The Honours Degree in Social Work – 2 Year Relevant Graduate Route (RGR)
For more information:
Rita McCullagh, Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement
Rita.mccullagh@niscc.hscni.net / 07874682049