Curious about studying MSc Social Work Studiesat University of Stirling? 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.
MSc - Master of Science
University of Stirling
Full Time
Jan 2027
28 Month
The demand for Social Workers in the UK is growing. With communities facing challenges such as an aging populations, mental health issues and social inequality, the need for qualified social workers has never been greater. In 2023, there were an estimated 152,000 vacancies in Social Care in the UK (Source: socialcarepeople.co.uk). Gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge on our Social Work Studies Masters. Become a skilled, ethical Social Worker who can make a positive impact on individuals, families and communities. Be career ready Stirling’s MSc Social Work course includes two supervised placements. This gives you a chance to put your studies to work with the support of qualified Practice Educators. Our course is also accredited by the Scottish Social Services Council, so once you graduate you can register as a qualified Social Worker in the UK. Placements are hosted by local authorities and voluntary organisations providing social work services. Learn from leading experts and lived experience Our Social Work course is taught by experienced social workers and world-leading researchers. We ranked in the top 25 in the UK for Social Work and Social Policy research at the most recent national assessment (REF 2021). Our Service User and Carer involvement group also contributes to the course. You will hear from people who have used social work services, as well as practicing social workers. Their stories and thoughts will inspire your learning. Other local agencies will also play a part in our Social Work Masters degree. You will remain connected to the professional sector throughout your studies. The teaching you receive emphasises a compassionate approach to issues in the community. The course design is informed by social justice, human rights and the need to address both ‘public issues’ and ‘private troubles’. We value social work practice that has prevention at its heart. We recognise the importance of collective approaches. Our smaller class sizes and creative approach to teaching and assessment make Stirling a standout place to study a Social Work Masters. We will prepare you to take the next step in your career.; The taught course consists of nine modules which include two periods of assessed practice. All students have a personal tutor during the course. During Semesters Two and Four you’ll undertake a placement in full-time supervised practice. The dissertation leading to the Masters involves undertaking empirical research and is submitted in April of year three.
The family plays a major part in human development and socialisation. Each life stage is influenced by a number of social, material, familial, psychological and relational factors all of which impact on our ability to ‘function’. In turn, family life is significantly affected by external forces including support networks, poverty, housing, marginalisation, stigma, class, ethnicity etc. Both the origin of problems and capacities to deal with them can be affected by the nature of family relationships and by responses to the diverse challenges which occur at various developmental points in life.
This module provides an overview of the legal and policy framework for social work in Scotland. It explains practitioner responsibilities in applying law and policy into practice; and the rights of children and adults to participate in any decision making about them or their family. It explores the tensions between law and policy on paper and in practice. Each week will have a chosen theme and there will be online learning tasks to complete prior to the seminars or workshops. Students in their first semester will join BA (honours) students undertaking SWKU9PL for elements of shared teaching. Those on the MSc programme will be required to evidence skills in critically analysing the law and policy context as well as engage with case law and serious case reviews.
This practice-based module is an essential element of the professional qualification in social work. The module will require you to undertake a 75-day practice placement in settings organised by the university. You’re placed in a range of agencies across the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors where you’ll have opportunities to engage in direct work with service users and/or carers. It will help to develop your social work knowledge, skills and values.
On this module you will gain an understanding of the core theories and skills required for professional social work practice. Theory and Practice is also intended to introduce you to the standards in social work education and the ethical principles which underpin the current undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in social work. The module holds a key role in the University's process of assessing students' 'readiness to practice'; that is your readiness to embark on your first practice learning opportunity.
Critical Approaches covers core aspects of the knowledge, skill and value base for social work with children and families. At the same time, it emphasises transferable knowledge, skills and values to assist you in your work with different service user groups. You are asked to explore a range of theories to understand the needs of children and families, the political, legal, policy and practice context in which social work with children and families occurs and the values that underpin practice in this very public arena.
This final practice-based module is an essential element of the professional qualification in social work. The module requires you to undertake a 95-day practice placement in settings organised by the university. You’re placed in a range of agencies across the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors where you’ll have opportunities to enhance your skills in working with service users and carers. You’ll develop your social work knowledge, skills and values to a level equal to becoming a newly qualified social worker. You’ll be required to travel to placement settings as placements are provided across a wide geographical area.
The module aims to promote research-minded practice through the planning, design and implementation of a research project. It supports the development of skills in critically analysing, engaging with and applying research.
The module emphasises that social work in the context of criminal justice is an area of practice characterised by fluidity and challenge. At the same time, the module helps you to appreciate the extent to which knowledgeable, skilled and critical practitioners can work together with service users and colleagues. They provide services that meet the needs of people who offend, are at risk of offending or are at risk from the criminal justice system.
This module will focus on the impact of health inequalities on people who use social work services. It will introduce you to models of health and disability. You'll look at how an adult’s needs and the risks they face might be assessed. You'll also refine the range of skills and methods you might utilise in practice.
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