MA Social Work

If you have a degree and experience in the Health and Social Care field and you wish to become a qualified social worker then this is the course for you. The course, which starts in January 2021, will provide you with an opportunity to both study and work in Children and Families Social Work and Adult Social Work giving you the freedom to guide your career the way you want to.

The Social Work Masters degree is a two-year full-time course which is approved by Social Work England (SWE). Therefore if you successfully complete it, you'll be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England.

We work closely with employers in the statutory and independent sectors to ensure our course content retains a focus on the people entitled to use the services. It also helps to ensure that you are ready for professional practice when you qualify.

What you'll study

The MA Social Work is approved by Social Work England (SWE) and is designed to be a broad course providing you with the opportunity to specialise in Children and Family or Adult Social Work. It is suitable if you wish to practice under UK legislation.

During the course you will undertake one work placement per year, in which you will be supported by a qualified practice educator in order to help you get the most from your experience.

While there is no academic credit attached to the practice learning opportunities – you must pass the assessed written work for each at masters level and this will be graded by the academic team.

How you’re taught

The University-based intensive modules are taught through a variety of methods including workshops, seminars, online and action (scenario-based) learning. You'll also benefit from a personal tutor to help and support you throughout the course.

Teaching is carried out by staff from a range of professional backgrounds and is underpinned by research, providing you with a great balance between academic and applied educational experiences.

Assessments will take place through both academic (essays) and practical (verbal presentations and report writing) methods, allowing you to practice skills relevant to your future career. It is assessed on the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers.

Careers and employability

When you graduate you may be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England and you will need to abide by a code of ethics and behaviour in relation to the profession.

On completion of the course you may choose to enter the profession by working in services for children or adults. Opportunities may also exist in social services departments, the private and independent sector, educational welfare, services such as guidance providing agencies, careers services and youth justice

Students will need: an undergraduate degree (minimum 2.1) or other recognised equivalent qualification. Students with a 2.2 will be considered on an individual basis but will be required to demonstrate in their Personal Statement how their experiences (e.g. awards, scholarships, work experience - either paid or unpaid) and knowledge and skills will enable them to study this course at masters’ level. GCSE English and Maths grade C or above.