Taught course

Social Work

Institution
University of Cumbria · Faculty of Health and Wellbeing
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

A 2:2 bachelor's degree or above in an associated field and relevant experience and understanding of the profession of social work (assessed through application and interview). GCSE minimum grade C in English language or equivalent. Associated experience and knowledge of current issues within and affecting social work is also required.

Applicants must have some work experience in a social work/care setting before interview in order to show their full potential to the interviewing panel.

Students with other qualifications may be admitted to the course, please contact the Enquiry Centre for further details.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may be considered for relevant prior learning at the same academic level.

Months of entry

September

Course content

If you have a clear desire and motivation to work with and support the most vulnerable people in society, a MA in Social Work is for you.

Extend your knowledge, engage in research production and dissemination, and undertake 170 days of practical placement to improve your skills in a real world setting. Become a registered Social Worker and work with your local community to support people who need it.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course is designed to be sector-specific. It integrates values, knowledge and skills you need to fulfil the professional requirements of registration. You will learn about the knowledge and skills required for practice from our expert lecturers, while exploring contemporary issues impacting social work and social justice, spurring you on to get actively involved in the development of future practice.

Our excellent relationships with local employers, particularly practice placement providers and educators in practice settings will support your professional development. We work closely with Cumbria Social Services and a range of key partner and stakeholder agencies including a number of Experts by Experience. You'll complete two placements, 70 days in the first year and 100 days in the second, to gain real-world experience in social work and bolster your CV and future job prospects.

ON THIS COURSE YOU WILL...

    • Study a range of academic modules to enhance your knowledge on the role and remit of a social worker working in different settings.
    • Complete 30 skills days and a further 170 days in placement. The successful completion of which will enable you to register with Social Work England as a registered social worker.
    • Develop your academic skills with the assistance and support of a personal tutor who will be assigned to you on entry to the programme for the duration of your studies.
    • Benefit from working closely alongside fellow students and academics to build up meaningful, engaging and productive professional relationships to enhance your personal and professional journey.
    • Gain hands-on practice experience with our modern facilities, including our mock house to simulate home visits and hospital wards for practising hospital discharge meetings.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Throughout the programme, you will be challenged academically and professionally. Building on the skills attained in your previous studies you will develop the ability to apply knowledge and skills creatively to unpredictable and complex situations. You will have the opportunity to focus on your own area of professional interest, as you develop your emerging professional identity and focus.

The modules will encourage you to review, evaluate, and utilise research within your practice and develop your own research creatively for innovative responses to contemporary practice settings. Time spent on placement will allow you to develop as an autonomous practitioner in a changing and evolving society while continuing to embrace a commitment to social justice.

Year one
  • Effective Communication in Social Work
  • Using our Theoretical Imagination for 21st Century Social Work
  • Using Evidence to enhance the Discipline of Social Work
  • Safeguarding & Ethical Issues
  • Critically Evaluating Interventions With Diverse Populations
  • 1st Placement (70 Days)
Year two
  • Critical Applications in Statutory Social Work Practice
  • Dissertation: Research Production, Analysis and Dissemination
  • Resilience, Employability and Leadership
  • Final Placement (100 Days)

Fees and funding

UK students
£5,600
International students
£16,000

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    full time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    • Distance learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Course Enquiry Centre
Email
enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk