Adult Social Worker
8AI USED FOR8%moving to48%
THE DOOR, NOWB
THE DOOR, 20 YRSC
STARTING PAY£28,000 - £34,000
REGULATORY MOATThe law requires human oversight. That human could be you.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM SOCIAL SCIENCES →
Adult Social Worker
Adult social workers support vulnerable people - those who are isolated, ill, disabled, or struggling - and help them get the services and support they need to live safely and as independently as they can.
THE DOOR: A easy to E extremely hard, now and in 20 years
This job holds up well against AI
AI is used for very little of what this job actually involves today, and the law requires human oversight. That human could be you. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
Career progression path
Is this the only route?
This is the standard academic trajectory, but modern careers are highly flexible. You can often skip stagesby entering the industry with an advanced qualification (like a Master's or PhD), or pivot sideways from a related discipline.
0ACADEMIC FOUNDATIONUniversity DegreeUsually 3 to 4 years of full-time academic study, explicitly preparing you for the theoretical realities of the industry. Requires A-Levels, BTECs, or equivalent Level 3.-£67,350Avg. UK tuition & living
1FIRST STEPJunior Social WorkerIn this role, you will support senior social workers in managing cases, conducting assessments, and providing direct support to clients. You will gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive environment.£28,000 - £34,000
2GAINING EXPERIENCEMid-Level Social WorkerAs a mid-level social worker, you will take on more complex cases, lead assessments, and work independently to develop care plans. You will also mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.£40,000 - £50,000
3PEAK CAREERSenior Social WorkerIn this senior role, you will oversee a team of social workers, manage high-risk cases, and influence policy and practice within your organisation. Your leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of social work services.£60,000+
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The degree route
Real courses in this career's subject, from the live library of 35,000; every one is AI impact assessed through its actual graduate destinations.
🎓Politics and International RelationsThe London School of Economics and Political Science · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£35,000 median
🎓International Relations and Social AnthropologyUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£33,000 median
🎓Human, Social, and Political SciencesUniversity of Cambridge · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£31,000 median
🎓International RelationsThe University of Leeds · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓International Relations and Middle East StudiesUniversity of St Andrews · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£30,000 median
🎓Politics and International RelationsThe University of Surrey · the card page · will AI take its jobs?£29,000 median
All Social Sciences courses as cards →
Recommended UK degrees
Real courses that qualify you for this career, from the same register that priced the degree above.
Politics and International RelationsThe London School of Economics and Political Science · DegreeInternational Relations and Social AnthropologyUniversity of St Andrews · DegreeHuman, Social, and Political SciencesUniversity of Cambridge · DegreeInternational RelationsThe University of Leeds · DegreeInternational Relations and Middle East StudiesUniversity of St Andrews · DegreePolitics and International RelationsThe University of Surrey · Degree