Social Work postgraduate degrees in South West England

5 universities offer 8 postgraduate courses. To get the best results for postgraduate social work degrees, enter your predicted grades.

Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right

Bournemouth University

2 social-work courses SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Subject ranking: 22nd
Complete University Guide Subject Ranking

Source : Complete University Guide 2026

WUSCA ranking: 55th
WUSCA Student Ranking

These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and present students

award icon Submission Award
University image
What students say about social-work

For what Bournemouth lacks in name it makes up for it with the great student support and environment of the university. Every staff member and facilities are easy to access or talk to. The career hub is super useful and honestly a massive positive, not to mention the very efficient medical center and student union finance support team for students. The bursaries are generous in my opinion and I honestly could not have made it otherwise. The pastoral care is unmatched in my opinion. Safety on campus is great. the student union always has stuff going on, ALWAYS, like a bread and bakery stall on some mornings, lots of international events too, being from France it made me feel quite at home at time. The teaching isn't awful, not the best either, maybe it's my course, but the option and units are interesting. The university reputation is average at best, but like I said they make up for it in other ways. The area is nice, it's a student town, with the beach, I personally like it, and the transport system is very very reliable and efficient.

Where our reviews come from
Why should you trust our uni reviews ?

We collect thousands of reviews on uni campuses from real students, and online reviews can only be submitted using an authorized university email address.

MA Social Work
clock icon 2 years full time
Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right
Modules
Year 1
  • Applying Social Work Models and Methods in Social Work
  • Developing Relationship Skills as a Social Work Practitioner
  • Human Development: Applying Theory to Practice
  • Law in Social Work Practice
  • MA Social Work First Substantive Placement (Parts A and B)
View all modules arrow right
Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right
Modules
Options
  • Applying Social Work Models and Methods for Social Work with Children and Families
  • Final Substantive Placement for Social Work with Children and Families
  • First Substantive Placement for Social Work with Children and their Families
  • Human Development Across the Life Course
  • Introduction to and Readiness for Direct Practice in Social Work (for Children and Families in Social Work)
View all modules arrow right
Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right

University of Gloucestershire

1 social-work courses SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Subject ranking: 62nd
Complete University Guide Subject Ranking

Source : Complete University Guide 2026

WUSCA ranking: 85th
WUSCA Student Ranking

These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and present students

University image
What students say about social-work

My time at the University of Gloucestershire, Oxstalls campus, studying for a master’s in Human Resource Management, has shaped my life in lasting ways. From day one, stepping onto campus felt like joining a professional, welcoming community where I wasn’t just a number but I truly belonged. I chose this course because I wanted practical skills for real HR challenges, and the teaching here goes far beyond textbooks. Lecturers share insights from their own industry experiences, making classes dynamic and relevant. Their support has helped me build confidence and bridge the gap between theory and practice. Campus life is genuinely uplifting. The facilities, including well-equipped study spaces and lively common areas, create an environment where you can focus, collaborate, and unwind. What stands out most is how approachable the staff and students are. It’s always easy to find a helping hand, whether you need academic advice, personal support, or just a friendly chat over coffee. This sense of community means that even on tough days, encouragement is always close by. I’ve grown in ways I never expected. Working on assessments, dissertation and participating in group assessments have all pushed me outside my comfort zone. The university nurtures both independence and teamwork, helping me learn to lead and collaborate more effectively. Feedback is thoughtful and constructive, it motivates me to keep improving, and I always know what I need to do to reach my goals. However, there is room for improvement. While there are some great events for students, master’s courses can sometimes feel a little isolated after class finishes. I would love to see more postgraduate socials, networking nights, and informal gatherings to help us connect. Extra sessions like guest lectures from leading HR professionals would make a big difference in preparing us for our careers. I also think career guidance tailored to master’s students would be invaluable, and more quiet study spaces for busy periods could improve the campus atmosphere. But what truly makes Gloucestershire special is the genuine care shown for student wellbeing. The university’s commitment to inclusivity making everyone feel welcome regardless of their background creates an environment where learning is enjoyable and personal growth is celebrated. Looking back, I am proud of the challenges I have overcome, the people I have connected with, and the knowledge I’ve gained. I would wholeheartedly recommend the University of Gloucestershire to anyone wanting an inspiring, supportive place to study. As I move forward, I feel confident and motivated, grateful to be in a university that invests in my future

Where our reviews come from
Why should you trust our uni reviews ?

We collect thousands of reviews on uni campuses from real students, and online reviews can only be submitted using an authorized university email address.

Social Work MA
clock icon 20 months full time
Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right
Modules
Level 7
  • 100 Day Practice Placement (SW7007)
  • 70 Day Practice Placement (SW7003)
  • Balancing Rights, Risks and Responsibilities (SW7004)
  • Dissertation (SW7006)
  • Knowledge, Theory and Methods of Intervention (SW7002)
View all modules arrow right
Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right

University of Bath

2 social-work courses SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Subject ranking: 3rd
Complete University Guide Subject Ranking

Source : Complete University Guide 2026

WUSCA ranking: 46th
WUSCA Student Ranking

These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and present students

University image
What students say about social-work

Amazing SU, with great alumni that really make a difference. Great life/work balance with some many opportunities. Would recommend bath to anyone who is thinking of joining, or not! Although, the buses are a nightmare.

Where our reviews come from
Why should you trust our uni reviews ?

We collect thousands of reviews on uni campuses from real students, and online reviews can only be submitted using an authorized university email address.

Social Work MRes
clock icon 1 year full time
Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right
Modules
Year 1
  • MRes dissertation
  • Principles and skills of social research
  • Principles and skills of social research
  • Qualitative methods 1
  • Qualitative methods 1
View all modules arrow right
Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right

University of Plymouth

1 social-work courses SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Subject ranking: 13th
Complete University Guide Subject Ranking

Source : Complete University Guide 2026

WUSCA ranking: 50th
WUSCA Student Ranking

These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and present students

University image
What students say about social-work

The student union is a lovely space which holds regular events, and there is lots of support for students available. There is a nice atmosphere on campus with lots of places to eat and study. A new green space has recently opened giving it a bit more of a campus feel despite being in the city centre and lots of the buildings are very modern. I love that it is close to shops and amenities with good nightlife yet also a short walk from the sea and the barbican which are lovely places to relax.bI really like that all courses are on the main campus, as opposed to other universities which have a separate campus for healthcare students which can cause you to feel a bit isolated and do not have access to the same facilities other students do. Having said that, whilst the healthcare facilities are adequate, other universities I did visit seemed to have slightly better facilities (more modern, better layout and equipment available). The uni has recently opened a healthcare building however I am in my 2nd year and have not yet been able to use it which is disappointing. The uni halls are very basic and I though expensive for what was offered, however there is a good range of private student accommodation available in plymouth for better quality at a lower price which I would recommend. On the whole, my experience so far has been very positive and I would reccomend this university.

Where our reviews come from
Why should you trust our uni reviews ?

We collect thousands of reviews on uni campuses from real students, and online reviews can only be submitted using an authorized university email address.

Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right

University of Bristol

2 social-work courses SOUTH WEST ENGLAND
Subject ranking: 7th
Complete University Guide Subject Ranking

Source : Complete University Guide 2026

University image
What students say about social-work

Not always the most supportive and clear with assignments that are due and not always as understanding something doesn’t go to plan. The vet school in Langford cafeteria is quite limited and a lot more expensive than the main campus There is also limited areas to eat and relax compared to the main campus The content is not well spaced out on blackboard you often have to go into multiple folders to find specific work

Where our reviews come from
Why should you trust our uni reviews ?

We collect thousands of reviews on uni campuses from real students, and online reviews can only be submitted using an authorized university email address.

MSc Social Work
clock icon 2 years full time
Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right
Modules
Year 1
  • Applied Social Science and Law
  • Foundations of Social Work: The Professional Role
  • Practice Learning 1
  • Research Methods in Social Work
  • Social Work Studies
View all modules arrow right
Social Work PhD
clock icon 8 years part time
Favourite icon outline Favourite icon filled
We have added this to your comparison
View comparison Chevron right