Curious about studying MA Social Workat Nottingham Trent University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MA - Master of Arts
Nottingham Trent University
Full Time
Jan 2027
2 Year
If you have a degree and experience in the Health and Social Care sectors and you wish to become a qualified social worker then this is the course for you. The course, which starts in January, will provide you with an opportunity to both study and work in Children and Families as well as Adult Social Work giving you the freedom to plan and take forward your career the way you want to. We work closely with employers in the statutory and independent social care sectors to ensure that the course and placements provided reflect the latest developments in practice in terms of legislation, policy and multi-agency working. 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 English legislation. During the course you will undertake one work placement per year, in which you will be supported by a qualified Social Work Practice Educator in order to help you get the most from your experience.
This module analyses the principles of child and adult development, following a 'normal' spectrum of development but also considers alternatives as well as people's social, economic and political contexts.
This module includes the first placement period (80 days) plus recall days to include teaching that enhances professional practice. Before embarking on a placement, students need to ensure their own and other's health and safety; they need to be familiar with and commit to the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. While on placement, theory provides grounding for the work that is carried out. Being able to apply theory and adapt to changing situations is crucial to being able to provide a service. The University provides the placements in partnership with local authorities and independent sector agencies.
Students will learn about the social work environment, the expectations of employers, the professional requirements and service user perspectives. There is a focus on 30 days of skills development so a lot of the work will be experiential either in the classroom or in observation and shadowing.
While on placement, you'll be undertaking a specialist investigation into an area of practice that will help bring new knowledge to the agency or service users. Methodological teaching for this module will allow you to prepare a proposal for either a literature-based or research-based project.
This second placement is longer (90 days) with complementary academic input to develop professional expertise and leadership skills. The placement will be arranged by the University and is likely to be within a setting that is undertaking statutory interventions with service users. Examples of settings are child protection and mental health teams. After an induction period you're expected to work as part of a team providing services to individuals, groups and communities. You will need to be confident in your abilities and act in accordance with the procedures of the organisation. You will be supervised and guided by your practice educator and colleagues and supported by your tutor. Three days teaching will occur during the placement recall days to develop leadership and management skills at a masters level.
This module provides a thorough grounding of the legislation and policies that underpin social work across the spectrum. The critical evaluation of a social welfare policy helps students to build their confidence in preparation for the dissertation.
The purpose of this module is to develop a critical knowledge of assessment frameworks, principles, models and practice.
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