The focus of the first or specialist level is on consolidating, extending and deepening initial professional competence in a specialist context.

In order to ensure that the PQ framework remains accessible to all qualified social workers, whether they are graduates or non-graduates, a post-qualifying programme in specialist social work may be approved either as all or part of the final year of an honours degree or as a freestanding graduate diploma.

Universities may offer this award at a higher academic level, but they will need to ensure that those without degree level qualifications also have opportunities to access a comparable programme.  Whether offered as part of an honours degree or as a graduate diploma, all programmes leading to a post-qualifying award in specialist social work will be designed for those who have already qualified as social workers and are seeking to consolidate, extend and deepen their initial competence in a specialist area of practice.