Entry requirements

Due to limited placements, this course is unable to consider international applicants. We are unable to reconsider unsuccessful applicants in the same application cycle, however you can reapply in the future; you will be required to meet the criteria as if you were a first time applicant. All candidates must have: have an honours degree (normally at least 2.1) have GSCE grade C or above in English and Maths (or certified equivalents) have evidence of successful academic study within the last five years. Admission to the course is dependent upon completion of the following selection processes: academic entry requirements being met satisfactory application form successful interview. All applicants must confirm prior to interview/offer decision making that they have the ability to use basic IT facilities, including word processing, internet browsing and use of email. EU applicants must meet communicating and comprehension skills to International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 7 and will be required to show certified evidence of this satisfactory references completed work-based risk assessment process receipt of a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. During the course and on completion you will be required to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the University and relevant professional body prior to application for registration. If you are successful in both shortlisting and interview you will receive a conditional offer which is subject to the following: evidence of achievement of the required academic qualifications a successful work based risk assessment which will reflect the HEOPS recommendations - please read these here. For more information on all of the HEOPS standards click here a satisfactory DBS check. Please note that any warnings, cautions, allegations or convictions received in the last five years may have implications for your continued offer on the course satisfactory references the School has in place APL arrangements which can also be considered for prospective applicants. Bursary information The current allocation of bursaries for this course is limited. Allocation is not confirmed until after enrolment in line with the NHSBA process. We strongly recommend you consider how you will fund your studies without the allocation of a bursary.

Months of entry

January

Course content

The MA Social Work is designed to meet the requirements of the new regulatory frameworks of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The College of Social Work (TCSW). The course has been approved by HCPC and has been endorsed by TCSW as having met the social work professional criteria. TCSW endorsement is a kite mark of quality has been awarded to less than half the qualifying social work degree programmes in England. The programme provides you with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges and developments in today’s social work environment. The master’s route offers a rapid and challenging way of obtaining a sought after professional qualification as well as providing the enhanced academic achievement and status which comes with a postgraduate award. All students participate in the same core curriculum so that you are equipped to undertake any job role suitable for a newly qualified social worker.

In the first year you are introduced to the core skills and values of social work and what it means to be a professional social worker. You are also introduced to the legal and policy background which governs how social work is carried out.

You then learn important contextual information which social workers need including human development, how people react to difficult life events and life changes and more about the nature of social problems faced by different groups in society.

Both the first and second years contain modules called Think Family which give you essential learning in working with all adults and children and prepare you fully for your work in your practice placements. You are required to demonstrate evidence of readiness for practice before you begin the first placement* of 70 days which takes place from June to September.

You also study organisational issues and are challenged to think about how you can make the best issue of supervision and contribute to design and improvement of services.

In the final year you undertake a further social work placement of 100 days in a different setting from the first and also write a dissertation, with support, based around a real practice issue and you will use published literature and data to develop ideas for how practice can be improved in your chosen area.

The strong organisational and service improvement dimension to the master’s programme helps graduates to develop quickly in their field as practitioners.

*Applicants please note placement providers may require students on placement to be car drivers with access to their own car. If you have any questions around this please discuss this with the admissions tutor before applying.

Where you study

The programme is taught at our Middlesbrough campus in the vibrant heart of the city. You undertake placements in a range of adult and children placements in both the statutory and voluntary sectors across the North East.

How you learn

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, small group work, micro-teaching skills and professional/practice placements.

How you are assessed

Assessment approaches including essays, small group and individual presentations, dissertation based around service improvement, reports, and assessment of skills in interacting with service users and carers. The assessments have a strong focus on social work practice and preparing you for the workplace. You are also assessed on your practical social work skills in two placements.

Professional placement

Endorsed by The College of Social Work Achievement of MA in Social Work gives you eligibility to apply for registration as a social worker with the Health and Care Professions Council. The programme includes two assessed placements in social work settings. The placements will be in different settings with different service user groups and at least one placement will normally be in a statutory setting or in a placement where statutory work can be experienced

Career opportunities

A master’s degree in social work can lead to a long career as a professional social worker with adults or children. There are many job opportunities in local authority social work departments as well as voluntary sector organisations and increasingly new types of employers such as social enterprises and the private sector.

Master’s degree students are especially attractive to employers because of the mastery skills which they have achieved as postgraduates and a master’s degree can help graduates to advance quickly in their careers. The degree also provides graduates with transferable skills including report writing and interpersonal skills which can be applied across a range of graduate employment opportunities.

Fees and funding

Please note that due to current anticipated changes to NHS education and HE funding, information will be updated on Teesside University website. Please check this prior to application.

Qualification and course duration

MA

full time

22 months

Assessment

Assessment	What kind of work will I be doing? (proportionally)
Written coursework / continuous assessment	120
Professional practice	40
Dissertation	60

Course contact details

Name: School of Health & Social Care Admissions
Email: sohscadmissions@tees.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0) 1642 384176

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