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EduSCOT
Healthcare

How to Become a Social Worker in Scotland

Support individuals and families in need across local authority, NHS and third-sector services in Scotland.

No specific Highers required

SSSC registration required

Graduate Apprenticeship launched 2025-26

Experience with vulnerable people essential

Highers You Need

Typical entry: BBBB at Higher. You also need English (C) at National 5.

No specific Higher subjects are required for Social Worker — any combination of Highers is accepted, provided you meet the overall grade threshold.

Recommended (not required)

  • English— strongly expected in practice
  • Psychology, Modern Studies, or Biology— advantageous

Route to Qualification

Degree: BA (Hons) Social Work (4 years at university).

1

BA (Hons) Social Work (4 years)

4 years

2

Social Work Graduate Apprenticeship (UWS — first cohort 2025-26)

4 years

Employer-funded
3

MSc Social Work (postgraduate entry)

2 years

Scottish Universities Offering This Course

Scottish-domiciled students can apply through UCAS and have tuition fees funded by SAAS.

  • University of Strathclyde
  • University of Edinburgh
  • Glasgow Caledonian University
  • Robert Gordon University
  • University of Dundee
  • Queen Margaret University
  • University of the West of Scotland

Professional Registration

To practise as a Social Worker in Scotland, you must register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). Registration is required by law and must be maintained through continuing professional development.

Salary in Scotland

Starting salary

£31,000–£34,000

Newly qualified

Mid-career salary

£38,000–£45,000

5–10 years experience

Scottish local authority social worker (COSLA SJC pay scales). A 4% uplift was agreed for 2025-26.

EduSCOT note

Relevant voluntary or paid experience working with vulnerable people is more important than specific Highers for social work applications. The new Graduate Apprenticeship via UWS (2025-26) is an employer-funded alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Highers do you need to become a Social Worker in Scotland?▾
No specific Higher subjects are required to become a Social Worker in Scotland — though you will need English (C) at National 5. The typical offer grade is BBBB.
Which Scottish universities offer BA?▾
The following Scottish universities offer routes into Social Worker careers: University of Strathclyde, University of Edinburgh, Glasgow Caledonian University, Robert Gordon University, University of Dundee, Queen Margaret University, University of the West of Scotland. Scottish-domiciled students are eligible for tuition fee funding through SAAS.
How long does it take to become a Social Worker in Scotland?▾
The main degree route takes 4 years. Alternative routes include: Social Work Graduate Apprenticeship (UWS — first cohort 2025-26) (4 years); MSc Social Work (postgraduate entry) (2 years). After completing the degree, registration with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) is required before you can practise.
What is the salary for a Social Worker in Scotland?▾
Starting salary for a Social Worker in Scotland is typically £31,000–£34,000. Mid-career salary is typically £38,000–£45,000. Scottish local authority social worker (COSLA SJC pay scales). A 4% uplift was agreed for 2025-26.
Is there an apprenticeship route to becoming a Social Worker in Scotland?▾
Yes — Social Work Graduate Apprenticeship (UWS — first cohort 2025-26) (4 years). Graduate Apprenticeships are funded through Skills Development Scotland and employers — tuition fees are covered.
Does SAAS cover tuition fees for Social Worker degrees in Scotland?▾
Scottish-domiciled students studying BA at a Scottish university are eligible for SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) tuition fee funding. For 4-year undergraduate degrees, SAAS covers tuition in full. Professional or postgraduate stages (such as a Diploma in Legal Practice or pre-registration year) may not be covered — check the SAAS website for your specific course.