Social Work MSc

Entry requirements for this course are considered on an individual basis and are normally:

• An Honours degree (2:1 or above) in a relevant subject.
• Or an academic reference indicating you are expected to obtain an Honours degree (2:1 or above).
• GCSE English Language (or equivalent Ofqual regulated qualification) at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme. Please note that some employers may require GCSE Maths at the point of application.
• You also need a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health clearance prior to registration.

We arrange these as part of the application process. You will be required to sign a self-declaration at the start of each year. All police contact during the course must be reported to the course leader as a matter of urgency and may lead to suspension or termination. We will request an Overseas Police Check if you have lived in a country outside of the UK for 6 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years before applying to us and whilst aged 18 or over.

At interview you will be required to declare any involvement by social services relating to children or vulnerable persons living in your care or for whom you provide care, living in a household in which you live, or have lived. Information you provide may have to be discussed with the Local Authority Designated Officer before a decision is made on your application.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 7.0 overall with no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

You may be eligible to gain Recognition for your Prior Learning (RPL).

If you have alternative qualifications you may wish to contact us for advice before applying.

You will be shortlisted on the strength of your written application and must demonstrate how you have used your previous experience (for example paid, voluntary, personal and educational) to help you develop some knowledge and understanding of the tasks and roles undertaken by social workers.

This professional qualifying course is intended for graduates who are committed to a future career in social work. The course is designed to help prepare you to work in all social care settings including residential, field, day care, healthcare and education within statutory, voluntary and private sectors, as well as multi-disciplinary settings and work teams. It also aims to produce practitioners who can critically reflect on their practice and promote anti-oppressive practice in a multicultural society.

• This course is approved by Social Work England and leads to eligibility to apply for registration as a qualified social worker.
• It will assist you in developing the key skills required to become a confident and competent social worker in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work.
• You will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills including communication, assessment, analysis and reflection, as well as gaining knowledge in a range of areas, such as legislation, policy and how people interact with their environments.
• The course offers you the opportunity to work with service users, carers, social work practitioners and experienced university tutors, as well as engaging with an internationally recognised research department in social work.
• You will have the opportunity to put what you have learnt into practice through undertaking two assessed work placements, helping you to enhance your academic and personal development. This is managed and delivered by a long-standing partnership between the University and local social work agencies, including statutory, voluntary and service user-led organisations.