Making the links - consolidating practice for newly-qualified social workers
- Study Mode: Part Time
- Location: High Wycombe
- Duration: One Year
- Start Date: May, September 2026 and January 2027
This course is aimed at newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) undertaking their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) and forms part of the ASYE assessment process.
The course is mapped against the Skills for Care ASYE framework. It has been designed to provide NQSWs with the time and space to reflect constructively on their current practice, consolidate their learning and develop effective strategies for professional growth.
You will work alongside fellow NQSWs to reflect on challenging and complex cases, enhance decision-making skills and develop your professional identity. The workshops will also offer practical tools to help you build resilience and confidence in your role.
There are three intakes per academic year: October, January and May, ensuring all NQSWs, regardless of their ASYE start date, have access to the BNU workshop provision. For more information, please contact: advice@bnu.ac.uk.
Why study this subject?
This course has been designed with the needs of NQSWs in mind. It aims to support your development of knowledge, practice skills and confidence across the first year of practice, contributing to successful submission of the ASYE portfolio.
You will benefit from a unique opportunity to connect the learning from your qualifying social work degree with real-world practice. Sessions are tailored to address key aspects of early practice in both children’s and adult services.
You will be taught by senior lecturers in Social Work at BNU, all of whom are qualified and experienced Social Work Practice Educators with extensive frontline experience.
What will I study?
Each cohort will take part in three full-day workshops held at our High Wycombe campus.
Key topics include:
- Progress against the Professional Capabilities Framework and ASYE assessment standards (Post-qualifying Standards – formerly KSS)
- Consolidating learning and knowledge into practice
- Risk assessment and complex decision-making
- Managing difficult conversations
- Developing resilience and confidence in practice
- Applying ethics, values, and professional boundaries
How will I be taught and assessed?
A variety of interactive teaching methods will be used, including:
- Presentations
- Group work
- Facilitated discussions
You will receive formative feedback on your critical reflective essay (0 - 6 months), which forms the first part of your ASYE portfolio assessment criteria.
What are the course entry requirements?
The entry requirements include:
- Be employed as a qualified social worker
- Be registered with Social Work England
- Be sponsored by your employer
- Have been in your role for approximately three months
- Be holding responsibility for at least one case
What are the tuition fees
Home
-
Home, Academic Year 2026 - 2027: £488 *
-
Home, Academic Year 2025 - 2026: £470 *
Please note all of the 2026/27 fees stated are subject to parliamentary procedure. Tuition fees are expected to increase each academic year in line with the maximum permitted value set by the Government for that academic year. The expected rise for Home undergraduate students (including those on a foundation year course), may impact both new and continuing students.
Please note, distance learning and international fees are subject to change for 2027/2028 intake.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees cover most course costs, but you may need to budget for additional expenses. These can include specialist equipment, project materials, professional memberships, field trips or placements, as well as everyday student costs like printing, books and stationery.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the fees above, contact our enquiries team by completing this form.
