Drawing on current research across the social sciences, government guidance, and legislative frameworks, this degree focuses on the issues that are key in facilitating your professional and academic development as a social worker.
Social work education at Goldsmiths has a long and distinguished record – we house one of the most respected social work units in the UK, and you'll be taught by established social work academics and associate lecturers who have considerable research and/or practice experience in their fields.
You'll cover areas of human growth and development; community; needs and services; law and organisational contexts of social work; and research methods. Specific learning will include mental health and disability, and social work processes of assessment, planning, intervention and review.
The Masters includes practice placements in two settings and with different service user groups, so you'll be able to gain invaluable real world experience. We'll encourage you to think deeply about human rights and social justice, and to embed these values in your practice. You'll develop your skills for reflective and evidence-based practice and will be able to further your research mindedness.
The Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies at Goldsmiths has recently entered into a formal Teaching Partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the London Borough of Southwark and the London Borough of Lewisham for the delivery of social work education at Goldsmiths.
We were one of only four early adopter sites across the country to receive government funding to develop and test new and innovative approaches to social work qualifying education, early career training and continuing professional development programmes. As a result, a significant number of social work practitioners, from all levels within these three local authorities, are involved in the MA Social Work programme, delivering or co-delivering lectures, workshops and seminars. This means that there is a very close relationship with practice to ensure that by the end of the programme students are equipped to deliver authoritative, compassionate, social work practice that makes a positive difference to people’s lives.
You will be encouraged to make links between anti-oppressive practice, social work values, the legal framework, theories, methods and skills of intervention and social work practice throughout the course.
The programme has an intake of around 20-30 students each year. Goldsmiths is committed in its policy and practice to equal treatment of applicants and students irrespective of their race, culture, religion, gender, disability, health, age or sexual orientation. We particularly welcome applications from members of minority groups.
The teaching includes lectures and workshops with the entire student group and small study groups, reflective practice discussion groups and seminars of between 10 and 14 students. A significant proportion of the course takes the form of small study groups and seminars.
The MA is a full-time course. It is not possible to study the course part-time. It is not possible for students to transfer from a social work course at another university onto the second year of the Goldsmiths MA in Social Work course.
You'll develop the ability to practise social work in a wide variety of settings with different service user groups.
The programme will enable you to register and practise as a qualified social worker.
The MA Social Work enables those with a BA degree to obtain the new professional qualification in Social Work, as well as a Masters degree. The University of Birmingham is the oldest running social work education programme in the country and we are proud of our history. The MA Social Work welcomes applications from international students.
You can also find out why our students love living and studying in Birmingham.
The MA follows an exciting programme. Committed to social justice, anti-oppressive practice and relationship based social work and drawing upon a number of disciplines informing social work practice, it includes the study of social work values, knowledge, law, theories, methods and skills. You undertake two assessed social work placements, the first lasting 70 days and the second 100 days. International students undertake the same placements as UK students and obtain a detailed understanding of the operation of the English social work system. Additional teaching offers students the opportunity to focus on particular areas of interest and exciting new projects, such as the International Exchange Project, and the award-winning Survivor Arts Project, allow students to move beyond the core curriculum and explore different ways of seeing the world and more creative ways of working. Watch the following video diary of our first exchange visit to Rotterdam, and a film of our award-winning Survivor Arts Project.
Service user and carer involvement
On the MA Social Work, service users, carers and practitioners work alongside academics to create a dynamic environment, both within the department and during supervised practice. The department values highly the contribution service user and carer colleagues make, and feedback from students confirms just how important the user perspective is in helping them to develop greater insight into the role social work can play in people's lives.
Involving service users and carers in all aspects of admissions and the development and delivery of our social work qualifying programmes is a priority for us. We believe it offers students the opportunity to have a thorough grounding in service users' and carers' experiences and expectations from the very start of their social work training.
More information about service user and carer involvement in social work education
Practice placements
Due to its location and strong links with partner placement agencies, the University of Birmingham is able to provide a wide range of practice opportunities within statutory, voluntary and independent social care settings. The social work department is also fortunate to have a range of exciting new small student units and innovative practice projects and we regularly receive excellent feedback from students about these. The learning gained from these placements support and build on the learning taking place at the university.
Blended learning approach to teaching and assessment - Combining Facebook and enquiry-based blended learning to teach social media skills
The following short film outlines how Facebook and an enquiry-based blended learning design were used to help students develop professional social media skills, knowledge and approaches. The film also includes student feedback about their experiences of engaging with this learning design. As educators, we are aware that students who connect using Facebook during their studies can maintain these social networks once they leave University. They can also potentially use these social networks to discuss future work related issues. To enable students to learn about the potential and pitfalls of sharing, communicating and collaborating using social networks once in employment, this learning design was developed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to use these tools professionally. This film provides an illustration of the commitment social work staff at the University of Birmingham have in continually striving to ensure their students are equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge necessary for their future roles.
This degree leads to an MA in Social Work with the Professional Qualification in Social Work which provides eligibility to apply to register with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). This is the qualification required to practice as a professional social worker. As well as equipping you with a professional qualification, gaining the MA allows you to progress on to post qualifying courses or to apply to continue with your academic studies at PhD level.
This degree makes you eligible to apply for HCPC registration as a qualified social worker in the UK. The academic side of the course is rigorous and challenging. You’ll develop a clear understanding of the theory. Through work placements, you’ll become a confident, skilled practitioner.
We’re working in collaboration with the four local authorities in South Yorkshire to lead the way for social work education and are part of one of only four early-adopter national teaching partnerships. This means that you’ll benefit from a social work curriculum that is enhanced by increased collaboration with placement providers and employment agencies.
Taught modules can include:
You’ll go on two placements with local agencies, each one lasting 100 days.
You’ll learn through lectures, small-group work, individual and group projects, supervised dissertation. You will be assessed on essays, group project work, peer assessment, group and individual presentations, examination and dissertation.
This MA Social Work degree equips you with the skills, knowledge and reflective capacity you need to practise as an effective social worker.
You will develop a sound knowledge base that encompasses theory, the ethical and legal bases for practice, social policy and an understanding of how social work fits into organisational contexts.
The course promotes relationship-based practice and is unique because of the link with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
It is extremely popular, with up to 600 applicants each year for 40 places. The standard for entry is therefore very high, although good experience of practice will be given serious consideration.
The opportunity to study both at the University of East London and the Tavistock allows you to experience university culture and a working clinic. As part of the course you will participate in a week-long Group Relations Conference as well as weekly work discussion groups.
Because the course attracts students from different cultural backgrounds and a range of disciplines - including psychology, law, sociology, criminology, business studies and even science - the knowledge our students bring enriches the course experience as much as the teaching.
This course provides a route to qualified social worker status for those who want to pursue a role in this profession.
The Social Work Task Force and Reform Board promote social work education for a challenging job. The profession demands the application of reflective, critical thinking skills, the ability to deal with uncertainty and ambiguity and use and create best evidence in assisting people and society in a complex world. This course responds to these initiatives providing a course that meets the government, professional body and disciplinary requirements.
As this is a Master's course, you'll be required to develop a sound understanding of the research underpinning social work practice and attendant areas. You'll develop your capacity to act as a research-minded, aware and capable practitioner, undertaking a dissertation and creating knowledge for social work.
As part of the course you will undertake two placements which will provide you with the opportunity to apply the theory you have learnt to practice situations. Your placements will allow you to experience a variety of different social work settings and develop a broad range of practical skills.
Our MA Social Work course will help you become a highly effective social worker through a combination of teaching and practice placements.
Our course meets the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) for social work practice in England, the Knowledge and Skills Statements for children, adult and mental health social workers, and the regulatory requirements of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
You will be eligible to apply to register as a qualified social worker with the HCPC upon completion of the course.
You will benefit from particularly high quality placements and greater input from practising social workers through our membership of the Greater Manchester Social Work Academy, a government-sponsored Teaching Partnership that ensures close links between local employers and universities across Greater Manchester.
Both placements and taught elements will help you learn how to work with a variety of user groups in a range of settings.
The course aims to:
Outstanding curriculum
Benefit from a range of innovative teaching and learning methods that integrate theory and practice, actively involving service users, carers and current social work practitioners.
We encourage students to take an active involvement in shaping the course.
170 days of placements
You will have two high quality statutoryplacements within a local authority, voluntary or private agency, which will enable you to develop into a confident, resilient and reflective social work practitioner.
Greater employment opportunities
We are a member of the Greater Manchester Social Work Academy teaching partnership and have strong links with social work employers across the region.
Student support
You will receive outstanding study, placement and personal support from staff and fellow students.
Addressing the philosophy of Athena SWAN , we look to minimise early starts and late finishes, and ensure Christmas, New Year and Easter are included in your annual leave entitlement.
Research specialisms
You will have access to teaching staff who actively undertake research in health and social care at a university rated number one in the UK under the Research Excellence Framework (Unit of Assessment 3) in this area.
Our staff's specialist research interests include deaf people and children (SORD), adoption and looked after children, safeguarding practice, law for social workers, mental health, LGBT, learning for professional practice and researching social work pedagogy.
You will learn from experts in social work through interactive teaching sessions incorporating lectures and workshops at the University. See the teaching and learning page for more information.
You will develop practical skills and experience through placements. See the placements page for more information.
We use a range of assessment methods to accommodate different learning styles and learning outcomes.
These include using simulated visits and assessments, essays, case studies and group presentations. We may use other formats.
You will be assessed for your readiness for direct practice (ARDP) prior to commencing your first practice placement, and will be assessed at the end of your first and final practice placements.
Year 1
Learning in the first year provides a solid foundation where students are introduced to key knowledge and skills and prepared for professional practice.
You will learn about what social work is and develop necessary practice skills. You will explore the context social work operates in, including the legal framework and professional safeguarding responsibilities.
You will take:
See a typical first year timetable and find out what a day on placement is like by reading Year 1 student Emily's diary .
Year 2
Learning in the second year provides an in-depth understanding of the processes that govern and inform social work processes and interventions with a range of service user groups.
The Foundations of Research course will prepare you for completing a dissertation for your MA award.
Your dissertation provides an opportunity for you to undertake in depth study on a social work-related topic or aspect of practice.
You will take:
This new, fast-track social work course focusing on children, young people and their families will enable trainee social workers to build upon their existing knowledge and skills, and develop the expertise required for social work practice.
The Department of Education will be funding this course through a cluster of local authorities which includes Dorset, Bournemouth, Poole and Wiltshire, with all applications being made directly to them. You’ll have the option to continue your studies from a Postgraduate Diploma to a Master’s by undertaking a dissertation which will be self-funded.
This course gives you the opportunity to study in a high-profile and nationally recognised department and benefit from direct access to research active and internationally linked academic staff. If you already hold an undergraduate degree and are interested in specialising in work with children and young people, this is the ideal social work course option.
The next intake starting in January 2018 is now closed for applications.
Leading to a professional qualification in social work, UCLan’s MA Social Work course has been developed in close co-operation with social work agencies in the voluntary, independent and statutory sectors and in conjunction with service users and carers. It incorporates 170 days placement experience as well as structured academic learning, including input from service users. A work based (part-time) route taking a minimum of three years, is available for employees who are sponsored by our partner agencies. The course is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and has been developed in line with the HCPC Standards of Proficiency, the College of Social Work Professional Capabilities Framework, and the QAA benchmarking statements. A key principle of the programme is the promotion of student self-directed and enquiry based learning, with the model of action learning sets embedded within the teaching and learning strategy of the programme. The aim is to enable students to develop advanced knowledge, skills and values for social work.
This course will involve access to children and/or vulnerable adults. You will be required to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance (formerly termed CRB) and we will guide you through this process.
This course has been approved by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as meeting the Standards of Education & Training required for social work programmes. Students who successfully complete all social work elements of the course are eligible to apply to the HCPC for registration as qualified social workers.
Teaching and learning opportunities include lectures, workshops, use of action learning sets and facilitated tutorials, student-led projects, presentations, e-learning, discussion groups, workshops and self-directed study. Social work practitioners and service users and carers contribute to programme delivery.
The modules, plus practice learning opportunities, enable students to meet the academic and practice outcomes as specified by external regulators.
Academic assessments include; essays, exams, presentations, case studies, oral interviews, practice placements, portfolios and a 10,000 word dissertation.
Social workers work with a wide cross section of society, which includes a significant proportion of some of the most disadvantaged and excluded people in our society. Social work students therefore need to develop the knowledge, skills and appropriate values to work positively with service users and carers. This course will offer you opportunities to develop and integrate knowledge, skills and values for and in practice, which will allow you to demonstrate that you meet The College of Social Work Professional Capabilities at the Qualifying Level for Social Work in England as well as the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency in practice by the end of the course.
The MA Social Work course will consist of 1800 hours structured academic learning and 170 days of learning in practice settings.
As part of the taught element of the course which is University- based students will experience a minimum of thirty skills development activity days. In Year 1 the focus is on generic skills which form the basis of an assessment of the student’s Readiness for Direct Practice and the development of capabilities at ‘end of first placement’ level. These include: communications skills; interviewing skills; skills of observation; understanding social work contexts; and direct communication with and learning from service users and carers. In Year 2 students will have the opportunity to develop more ‘advanced skills’ such as working with ‘hard to engage’ service users and direct work with children.
Key aspects of the programme include:
-Professionalism: developing awareness in students of how to behave as a professional social worker
-Values and ethics: understanding and applying to practice the ethical values and principles of social work
-Diversity: recognising diversity and applying anti-oppressive principles in practice
-The advancement of human rights, social justice and economic well-being
-Applying knowledge for social work: knowledge of human growth and development, psychology, social policy, sociology, law and theory for social work
-Critical reflection and analysis in respect to professional decision making
-Skills to intervene to promote independence provide support and prevent harm and abuse
-Working in organisations including collaborative working between agencies
-Taking responsibility for the professional learning and development of others through leadership
Recent graduates have successfully gained employment in social work teams in a variety of settings such as child protection, parenting and family support teams, youth justice, community drug teams, community mental health teams, adult social care services. Some graduates have returned to the School to undertake post qualifying courses for experienced practitioners and continue their academic study.
Students can access the ERASMUS scheme, which provides students with opportunities to travel to UCLan partner universities in Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Portugal. In addition, there may be a range of opportunities for international study visits – students recently have visited Istanbul, Copenhagen, Cyprus & Ireland.
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