Supervised by experienced practitioners, this practice-based Social Work MSc offers induction, protected workload and weekly study days during placement. It equips you with the skills, ethical principles, deep knowledge, critical awareness and reflexivity needed to pursue a career in this challenging and rewarding field. It also includes an opportunity to develop your research skills via the dissertation project.

Course accreditation

Our Social Work courses are accredited by Social Work England. Registration with SWE is needed to work in the sector.

What will you study?

Studying our Social Work MSc course will equip you with the in-depth knowledge and skills for qualified social work practice. This course offers significant opportunities to engage in hands-on, practical work such as in our Skills Development and First 70-Day Placement unit. It will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed for this placement, and once on placement you will demonstrate through direct practice the core skills needed to support individuals, families and communities. Our unit Working with People: Theories and Methods for Social Work Practice is where you will learn both the theory and practical communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with service users, families and professionals. Our Human Development for Social Work Practice unit will help to enhance your understanding of anti-discriminatory practice and apply this to human growth and development to better understand the varied contexts and characters of social work practice.

How will you be assessed?

Your academic learning will be assessed using a range of methods including reflective assignments case studies presentations research tasks examinations and evidence drawn from learning in the work place. Assessments are designed to integrate theory and practice throughout the course and the variety of assessment methods used develops academic and professional skills in writing concisely and drawing on your knowledge with confidence for different purposes and audiences. A summative assignment towards the beginning of the course complements input on expectations of study at M level and personal and unit tutors provide a range of assessment support including tutorials seminars and workshops.

Your practice learning will be supported by practice educators and on-site supervisors and assessed at each stage by the submission of a portfolio at the applicable level of the Professional Capabilities Framework (BASW 2018). Your personal tutor will support your learning in each of your placements and facilitate learning needs identified at the end of the first placement being incorporated in planning your learning in the next.

Overall assessments throughout the course are designed to provide a range of varied opportunities for you to develop increasing confidence and autonomy and ultimately demonstrate your knowledge and skills in all areas necessary for competent practice as a newly qualified social worker.

Careers

Approved by Social Work England (SWE) this course opens up a rewarding career path. In addition to gaining a postgraduate qualification successful students are eligible to apply to the social work regulator Social Work England for professional registration. Once registered you can pursue a professional social work career across a range of settings including within local authorities and many private and voluntary agencies throughout the UK.