Overview

Social work requires a skilled, knowledgeable and creative approach to support and protect some of the most vulnerable people in society at all stages of their lives.

Our MA in Social Work is offered through a two year full-time route. It is approved by the regulatory body for the profession, Social Work England (SWE). On successful completion of the programme students will be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker with the SWE.

The teaching of social work is long-established at the University with taught sessions taking place on the main campus, centrally located in the historic, bustling city of Canterbury. The MA Social Work course has three main integrated areas of learning - the study of academic subjects, development of skills, and practice placements.

The MA Social Work course has three main integrated areas of learning - the study of academic modules, skills development, and practice placements (70-day and 100-day placements).

Social work is underpinned by the core value of inclusion of disempowered, marginalised and socially excluded groups. Understanding the principles of social justice and recognition of structural inequalities that impact on these groups is important. You will examine the role society, including governments play in perpetuating or addressing discrimination through social policies, and inequality that may arise due to deep rooted problems and other intersecting factors that impact individual’s welfare.

Your future career

On successful completion of the course you will be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England (SWE). Social work is a respected professional qualification and there are a range of opportunities in different fields. The course is a generic course enabling graduates to work in a full range of settings, for example in statutory social work for local authorities, private or voluntary agencies, in research or policy development. A high percentage of our graduates gain employment with local employers. You will leave us equipped with core specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to deal with issues in areas including child protection/safeguarding, fostering and adoption, adult safeguarding, mental health, substance use, disability, among others.

Continuing professional development is a requirement for all professionals and the opportunity to progress to supervisory and managerial roles is reflected in the Professional Capabilities Framework (British Association of Social Work).