MSc Social Work
University of Bristol
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( 4.1) View reviews

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

University of Bristol

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

2 years

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Bristol

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Social Work
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Course info

OverviewThis two-year professional programme is designed for people who want to qualify and practise as a professional social worker. The programme leads to a nationally and internationally recognised professional social work qualification and graduates are eligible to register as a qualified social worker with Social Work England.Qualifying for a postgraduate degree at Bristol means that you will be able to work with both children and adults, helping them to be safe, cope with difficulties and ...Read more

Overview

This two-year professional programme is designed for people who want to qualify and practise as a professional social worker. The programme leads to a nationally and internationally recognised professional social work qualification and graduates are eligible to register as a qualified social worker with Social Work England.

Qualifying for a postgraduate degree at Bristol means that you will be able to work with both children and adults, helping them to be safe, cope with difficulties and take control of their lives again. You will support people to identify their strengths and build their self-confidence, help them to overcome problems in times of crisis, and link with other services.

The teaching staff at Bristol include experienced practitioners who have worked in a variety of social work settings including child and adult safeguarding, domestic violence and abuse, school social work, foster care, physical and learning difficulties, mental health, youth offending, and hospital social work. At our research-intensive university, the programme's teaching team is also active in research, holding a wide range of funded social work research projects nationally and internationally.

Working as a social worker requires an ability to appraise complex and difficult situations, drawing on social science research, social work theories and methods of intervention. To be considered for enrolment on this programme you will need to demonstrate an understanding of social work (this could be within the United Kingdom or internationally). Upon completion of the programme you will have a thorough understanding of social policies and a firm grasp of the legal powers and duties that underpin practice in England.

The MSc in Social Work combines university-based learning with two extended periods of supervised practice as a student social worker. Your practice placements will consist of at least 170 days of learning across two contrasting practice settings, together with 30 days of skills training. By completing this degree, you will be eligible to register with a social work regulatory body (such as Social Work England) and practise as a qualified professional social worker in a range of settings (including statutory, voluntary, private and independent sectors), and in a number of countries (contingent upon country-specific requirements).

You will develop an understanding of the structural and personal factors that lead to disadvantage, oppression and discrimination, and learn how to apply this understanding to your practice. You will develop values and skills as a reflective practitioner, appraising relevant evidence - including research - to evaluate your own and other people's work and to contribute to the development of policy and practice.

To explore the programme in more depth, view these videos which include interviews with students who have completed our programme.

More general information about the role and duties of social workers in the United Kingdom can be accessed through the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). BASW is the UK's professional membership organisation for social workers.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
86/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
8th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
16th
What students say
L
Lee
01 Feb 23

Warm and welcoming atmosphere. Staff (professional and academic) are approachable and friendly. Some facilities are nicer than others but there's something for everyone. There..Read more

N
Nicola
01 Feb 23

Feel supported by staff in the faculty. In full support of the strikes but more clarity about how this will effect our learning and assessments, specifically our dissertations...Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent. English and Mathematics GCSE grade C or above or international equivalent.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£11,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

£26,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

£26,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to a 8% increase in fees each year.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Social Work reviews

Social Work
Social Work
L
Lee
01 Feb 23
MSc Social Work Research
Warm and welcoming atmosphere. Staff (professional and academic) are approachable and friendly. Some facilities are nicer than others but there's something for everyone. There...
Read more
N
Nicola
01 Feb 23
MSc Social Work Research
Feel supported by staff in the faculty. In full support of the strikes but more clarity about how this will effect our learning and assessments, specifically our dissertations....
Read more
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Uni info

University of Bristol
Beacon House Queen’s Road Bristol BS8 1QU United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Clifton Down  0.2 miles away
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