Masters Degrees (Ma Social Work)

The Masters in Social Work is the professional postgraduate qualification for social work throughout the UK. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values appropriate for work in a variety of social work settings. The teaching and learning is delivered by qualified/registered Social Work academic staff who are actively engaged in research, consultancy, direct practice and publication.

Course content

Social workers deal with some of the most vulnerable people in society at times of greatest stress. By the end of this programme you will have been assessed against the Standards of Proficiency for Social Work and the Professional Capabilities Framework. Once qualified, you will be able to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for registration. Competent practice is essential for the award and you will undertake 200 days of practice learning (placement and skills for practice) during the programme. Practice learning through placement experience is undertaken in blocks of the course and skills for practice, 30 days experiential skills for practice during Year one (in the university), 70 days (in placement) during Year 1 and 100 days (in placement) during Year two.

For students enrolled on the programme, you will be expected to travel to placements with employer providers and be able to travel to service users. Being a holder of a current UK driving licence is therefore desirable.

Year One
During this initial year your knowledge and skills for social work practice is developed and assessed. The value base of social work is emphasised and you will engage in teaching designed to support your learning and understanding of anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory and anti-racist practice in a model that promotes social justice and relationship based practice. The Preparing for Professional Social Work Practice module is designed to develop students’ skills, knowledge and understanding about social work. The course is delivered by a range of qualified social work academics, service users and social work practitioners, which includes 30 days experiential skills. You will have an opportunity to undertake a five-day shadow placement with an employer provider in a social work setting. The first year is designed to prepare and assess students’ ‘readiness for direct practice’ prior to the 70 day placement

Year Two
You will develop your understanding of different service user groups and service provision in social work settings building on the teaching and learning during Year one. The teaching will provide opportunities for you to work in small learning sets developing your reflective critical thinking skills. A module on diversity develops your understanding of the correlations between oppression, discrimination and inequality and how gender shapes organisations and service delivery. A 100-day assessed placement learning opportunity will be completed in a social work setting. During this final year you will also undertake research which is either empirical or literature based which is presented in a final dissertation.

Masters in Social Work students will have the opportunity to enrol onto the Developing Housing Practice module. This is a 10 credit level 7 module which, on completion, gives students partial accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) which is equivalent to 10 credits towards postgraduate housing related training. This would be offered to the Masters students as an elective online module. There are a number of overlaps between housing and social work which include: vulnerable adults, people seeking asylum, safeguarding children, domestic abuse, hate crime, community safety and anti-social behaviours. This optional module would support the employability of the Masters students and offer a unique partial accreditation in housing-related training which complements social work.

Course modules (16/17)

-Life Span 1: Human Growth and Development
-Diversity
-Social Work Law and Policy
-Dissertation and Research Skills for Effective Social Work Practice
-Preparing for Professional Social Work Practice
-Life Span 2: Assessing and Managing Risk in Child and Adult Protection
-Developing Housing Practice, Knowledge and Provision
-Gender and Sexuality Studies in Social Work

Methods of Learning

This programme promotes an approach to learning that engages students as active participants. This includes group work, role play, individual skills development, inquiry based learning, seminars and lectures. Students link academic learning to two supervised and assessed placement learning opportunities. Over the two years you will experience a range of social work services and work with service users.

Facilities and Special Features

-Prepares you for professional social work practice
-Enables you to develop their practice skills
-Develops your skills and knowledge in working with other professions
-Raises political awareness and encourages you to be a creative, critical and reflective thinker
-The Social Work subject team sign up to and hold the International Federation of Social Work definition of social work
-Students will have the opportunity to develop a range of communication skills in the first year through experiential teaching and learning facilitated by Service Users, Social Work Practitioners and Practice Educators.

Careers

You will undertake 170 days of practice learning (placement). You will complete a student profile during the first year of study and through strong partnerships between the University and employer providers, you will be matched to a specific service placement. You will be expected to be able to travel effectively to and from the placement and be able to carry out community based duties (where required) during the placement which may involve independent travel. It is therefore desirable that you hold a current UK driving licence. Placement learning opportunities can be outside of Northampton. All placement providers are quality assured by the University.

Other admission requirements

English Language & Mathematics: Social work entrants must hold at least a GCSE grade C in English Language and Mathematics (O level grade C or CSE grade 1 are the equivalent). Key Skills Level Two qualifications are also acceptable. For students whose first language is not English an IELTS score of 7 is required.

You will be required to declare that you have these qualifications.
-Ability to write thoughtfully, insightfully and coherently about your motivation in applying for the course and understanding and commitment to the social work profession.
-Relevant work experience. Students must demonstrate (100 days or equivalent) relevant previous experience in social care or a related area. This could be paid or voluntary work.
-Students yet to graduate should provide an academic reference on the application, indicating their predicted degree classification. Students who have already graduated can also provide a professional reference.
-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 the use of email, and may be asked to specify how these skills have been obtained.

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Manchester Metropolitan University has a long established programme of providing social work education including both post graduate and undergraduate qualifying courses in social work, doctoral level research, post qualification professional training and post registration training.

The overall purpose of our programmes is to produce professionally capable, analytical and critical reflective social work practitioners, capable of working in any social work service or setting. We seek to develop professionals committed to a value based approach to practice and the promotion of social justice and positive social change.

The Social Work department is home to a wealth of research activities and groups which informs our teaching and helps to inform the way in which Social Work is viewed throughout the country.

At Manchester Met we recognise the value of excellent relations with local and national employers. We are active in working in partnership with local agencies, charities and volunteer agencies in order to develop placement opportunities for our students and innovative in creating post registration and professional development curricula.

The Department of Social Care and Social Work is strongly committed to engagement with the communities where our social care and social work graduates will work. We have an active Service Users and Carers Group, who feed in and evaluate how our programmes are designed and provide essential experience and guidance to our students.

Features and benefits of the course

Our MA in Social Work is specifically designed for postgraduates who wish to become registered professional social work practitioners and successful completion of our programme confers eligibility to apply for professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The MA programme is aligned against the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers and the Knowledge and Skills Statements for social work with children and families and adults (where appropriate). It offers an exciting opportunity to undertake a professional training programme whilst studying for a Master's degree.

The programme has a strong commitment to:
-Promoting a value based approach to social work practice based on rights and social justice
-Integrating social work practice with the essential skills, knowledge, values and attributes essential to become an effective and humane social work practitioner.
-Preparing our students for the demands, challenges and opportunities to promote positive social change as professional social work practitioners.

Placement options

The programme incorporates two social work practice learning placements. The first placement is of 70 days duration and the second and final placement is of 100 days. The university has an excellent relationship with a range of statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and private agencies providing social work services and social work placements. Students are fully supported throughout their placements by a specialist placement team and network of experienced practice based social work educators.

About the Course

The MA in Social Work is delivered over two years and focuses on:
-Essential values, skills and knowledge in social work
-Critical perspectives on social work
-Law, policy and social work practice
-Research and research mindedness
-Professional development and readiness for practice in social work

All our programmes take a student-centred approach to teaching and learning. Each individual student will receive a named personal tutor throughout their studies and have access to excellent dedicated student learning support services on site. Teaching and learning opportunities include lectures, seminars, student-led projects, presentations, workshops and self-directed study. The university library for social work is located on site and is excellently stocked and has the benefit of highly skilled and supportive specialist library staff.

Please note that the MA in Social Work requires the successful completion of the postgraduate social work academic programme and placements.

This route also includes completion of a Research Methods unit and Research Study (typically a dissertation). If you are invited for interview we will go through the programme in more detail on the day.

Bursaries may be available for this programme subject to specific criteria applied by the University and the NHS Bursaries office. For the latest information visit http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students

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The MA Social Work is a two-year full time course, designed for those who have a degree and experience in the Health and Social Care Work field and wish to become a qualified social worker. It provides the opportunity to both study and work in Children and Families Social Work and Adult Social Work giving you the freedom to guide your career the way you want to.

This MA Social Work at NTU has Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) approval which allows individuals who successfully complete the course to be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC.

We work closely with employers in the statutory and independent sectors to ensure our course content retains a focus on the people entitled to use the services. It also helps to ensure that you are ready for professional practice when you qualify.

Teaching is carried out by staff from a range of professional backgrounds and is underpinned by research, providing you with a great balance between academic and applied educational experiences.

What will I study?

Year One:

Modules may include:

Preparing for Professional Social Work Practice

Human Growth and Development - Promoting and protecting individual development within social contexts

Practice Learning Opportunity One

Year Two:

Modules may include:

Theories, Methods and Models of Social Work Practice - Assessing and intervening in order to achieve best outcomes for service users

Social Work Law and Policy - Practicing ethically within legislated frameworks

Practice Learning Opportunity Two

Dissertation - Research skills for effective social work practice

For more information about the course content please visit http://www.ntu.ac.uk/pgsocialwork

Delivery and Assessment

The University-based intensive modules are taught through a variety of methods including workshops, seminars, online and action (scenario based) learning. You will also benefit from using a learning advisor system to help and support you throughout the course.

Assessments will take place through both academic (essays) and practical (verbal presentations and report writing) methods, allowing you to practice skills relevant to your future career.

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The University of Chichester provides social work awards in partnership with West Sussex Children and Adult Services and other partners from the voluntary, independent and private sector organisations. Practice is seen as central to the programme as an experiential base for learning, supported by a rigorous tutorial system, designed to help students integrate academic learning with their experience in social work and social care. As a result we have an excellent record in providing students with high quality, relevant practice placements.

The MA Social Work is nationally recognised and will be approved and endorsed by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).


Student view
Course content
The programme has three possible levels of outcome:

Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert): The Postgraduate Certificate lasts for approximately twelve months. Completion of a set number of academic credits will enable the award of Postgraduate Certificate.
Postgraduate Diploma ( PG Dip): The Postgraduate Diploma lasts for a period of between twelve and twenty four months. The award of the Postgraduate Diploma is conditional on the achievement of academic credits at Master’s level (FHEQ Level 7).
Master’s Degree (MA): Completion of the dissertation will enable students to achieve the cumulative 180 credits required for the award of the MA.

The programme is appropriate for you if you are interested in:

High professional and academic standards;
A commitment to forms of practice which proactively address discrimination and oppression;
A strong emphasis on research-mindedness;
Excellent practice learning opportunities provided in partnership with local and regional social work agencies and service users.
If you have completed relevant work experience prior to applying
If you enjoy:

Problem solving
Creative thinking
Working independently and in groups
Engaging in debate
If you want:

A qualification that will equip you for a range of careers in social work, social care, probation and criminal justice.
To work in statutory, voluntary and independent sector organisations in the UK and overseas.
About the programme

Students may study typically over 2 academic years to successfully complete and receive the MA Social Work.

The programme has three possible levels of outcome:

Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert): The Postgraduate Certificate lasts for approximately twelve months. Completion of a set number of academic credits will enable the award of Postgraduate Certificate.
Postgraduate Diploma ( PG Dip): The Postgraduate Diploma lasts for a period of between twelve and twenty four months. The award of the Postgraduate Diploma is conditional on the achievement of academic credits at Master’s level (FHEQ Level 7).
Master’s Degree (MA): Completion of the dissertation will enable students to achieve the cumulative 180 credits required for the award of the MA.
Please see our Postgraduate Tuition Fees.

Our facilities
At Chichester, we teach in small groups and pride ourselves on the quality of the learning environment we have created for our students. The Social Work course is delivered on our Bishop Otter Campus where the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is the hub of your learning environment. It has two upper floors of library resources with dedicated areas for silent work or group study, while on the ground floor you will find the Support and Information Zone, Media Centre, Otter Gallery, Costa Coffee and a variety of IT resources. There are over 130 open access PC workstations, 45 Apple IMacs and ample printing and media facilities. A state-of-the-art wireless network offers fast internet as well as access to all our online resources. Your Social Work subject librarian will be available to help you access all the library resources on the shelves and online.

Where this can take you
Social Work MA will equip you for a range of careers in social work, social care, probation and criminal justice. You will be able to work in the statutory, voluntary and independent sector organisations in the UK and overseas.

Indicative modules
Year One

Introduction to Social Work
Human Development and Psychology
Across the Lifespan
Social Work Law and Social Policy
Social Work Methods of Assessment,
Intervention, Risk and Safeguarding
Values, Dilemmas and Conflicts in
Social Work Practice
Assessed Practice 1
Professional Practice Skills
Year Two

Research Methods and Dissertation
Reflection, Analysis and Decision Making with Children and Adults
Assessed Practice 2
Teaching and Assessment
We focus on teaching quality as our first priority. Teaching staff are accessible and approachable and all of our staff have experience of working within a statutory or voluntary social work agency which means that you will be taught by professionals who have extensive, professional practice experience, as well as who publish a large number of nationally recognised books on social work. You will be supported in small tutor groups and will be allocated a dedicated personal tutor who will work with you for the duration of your course and support you in the application of professional standards in practice placements and the development of critical evaluation and reflection.
Most modules are assessed through written assignments or presentations. The practice elements of the course are assessed through portfolio presentation and assessor reports. The course includes a dissertation module.

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The MA Social Work (professional qualification in social work) is located in the Cass School of Education which is one of the most successful providers of postgraduate social work training programmes in London. The programme is run jointly by UEL and the prestigious Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, this is a professional qualifying programme for graduates wanting to become social workers. The Trust is the UK’s leading provider of multi-disciplinary postgraduate training in mental health and is a major provider of clinical services.

The Trust has a national and international reputation as a centre of excellence in the therapeutic treatment of complex and serious mental health disorders, clinical training, consultancy, research and scholarship.

This is a full-time two-year programme which incorporates 200 days practice learning as required by the Department of Health for all qualifying social work programmes. The 200 days practice learning will take place in students' workplace where they are sponsored by employers (this is the employment based route). For all students practice runs alongside the taught element, with most weeks consisting of one day at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, and three days either on placement undertaking assessed practice learning. There will also be some block periods of practice learning.

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The MA Social Work Studies is a one year course that may be taken by students with a first degree from the UK or any other country with an interest in social work or contemporary social problems, but not intending to register as a social worker. The course involves study alongside students of social work, community and youth work and social research methods. Each student will also undertake a dissertation in an area of special interest to them, supported by research methods training.

Course Structure

Students take a range of taught modules primarily in the first two terms of the academic year. Typically towards the conclusion of the second term, students undertake an optional module on research design which enables them to develop a research proposal for their dissertation.

Core Modules

•Contemporary Social Work
•Introductory Social Work Studies
•Perspectives on Social Research
•Policy Related and Evaluation Research
•Dissertation
•Policy Related and Evaluation Research
•Either: Quantitative Research Methods in Social Science;
•Or Qualitative Research Methods in Social Science.

Optional Modules

Up to two modules from the list below:
•Youth Policy and Practice
•Community Policy and Practice
•International Social Work
•Statistical Exploration and Reasoning
•Research Design and Process.

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The teaching of social work is long-established at the University with taught sessions taking place on the main campus, centrally located in the historic, bustling city of Canterbury. The MA Social Work programme has three main integrated areas of learning ­ the study of academic subjects, development of skills, and practice placements. It is generic, enabling those completing successfully to work in a range of settings meeting the diverse needs of service users, families and carers. The programme will provide you with the opportunity to build on your previous experience and educational studies to develop the skills and knowledge required for effective social work practice. The programme is flexible, providing for study through a full­time or part­-time route with the option for students to change their route, subject to agreement. The minimum commitment for part­time students is two days a week.

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/social-work.aspx

Course detail

The programme will enable you to meet the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) of The British Association of Social Work and the Knowledge and Skills Statements for Social Work which have been designed to ensure that by the end of the programme students can practise effectively using a range of knowledge, a strong commitment to social justice, application of professional values and recognition of the diverse needs of members of society. The programme integrates theoretical and practice learning through modules, skills and practice placements. Development of professionalism, the ability to apply critical reflection and analysis and the flexibility to work in changing contexts and organisations are key areas of achievement required for successful completion of the course.

At the end of the programme both the part-time and full-time route will enable students to gain 180 credits in a range of subject areas alongside practice learning and skills development. This includes the 60 credit research project, an extended module which is introduced early within the programme and continues through the duration of the period of study. Students who do not complete this module may exit the programme with 120 credits, an award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work and eligibility to apply for registration with the HCPC.

Employment opportunities

On successful completion of the programme students will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Social work is a respected professional qualification and there are a range of opportunities in different fields. The programme is a generic course enabling graduates to work in a full range of settings, for example in statutory social work for local authorities, private or voluntary agencies, in research or policy development. A high percentage of our graduates gain employment with local employers. Continuing professional development is a requirement for all professionals and the opportunity to progress to supervisory and managerial roles is reflected in the Professional Capabilities Framework (British Association of Social Work).

Content

• Foundations of Social Work (20 credits)
• Understanding Human Development (10 credits)
• Social Work, Theory and Practice (10 credits)
• Law and Social Policy (20 credits)
• Sociological Perspectives and Social Work (20 credits)
• Safeguarding (20 credits)
• The Critically Reflective Practitioner (20 credits)
• Extended Research Project (60 credits)

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

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Our course will give you a thorough understanding of the core social work values. Recognising the powerful links between personal and political issues, our course asserts the need to challenge inequality and oppression. You will learn strategies for intervention with individuals, families and communities, while being sensitive to class, gender, race, age, disability and sexuality.

You will study psychosocial perspectives in social work and communication skills, as well as social work theories and policies. You will learn about legal issues within the context of working with adults and children and partnership working.

In your first year, you'll gain a foundation in communication skills, social work theories, the law and working with adults and children. You'll also undertake a work placement from January. In your second year, you'll continue to learn about law and social work theories and methods, you'll undertake a second work placement, and you may also complete a dissertation.

Successful completion of our course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

- Research Excellence Framework 2014: our University demonstrated strength in five emerging areas of research which it entered into the assessment for the first time, including social work and social policy.

Visit the website http://courses.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/socialwork_ma

Mature Applicants

Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however recent relevant work experience may also be considered. Please note that for some of our professional courses all applicants will need to meet the specified entry criteria and in these cases work experience cannot be considered in lieu.

If you wish to apply through this route you should refer to our University Recognition of Prior Learning policy that is available on our website (http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/studenthub/recognition-of-prior-learning.htm).

Please note that all applicants to our University are required to meet our standard English language requirement of GCSE grade C or equivalent, variations to this will be listed on the individual course entry requirements.

Careers

In the final year you will focus on employability and transition into qualified practice, preparing you for future career opportunities. The vast majority of our students successfully gain employment in a range of social care organisations, and some have accessed traineeships during the course. Previous students have secured positions within Leeds Social Care following placements with the agency.

- Social Worker
- Community Development Worker
- Probation Officer

Careers advice: The dedicated Jobs and Careers team offers expert advice and a host of resources to help you choose and gain employment. Whether you're in your first or final year, you can speak to members of staff from our Careers Office who can offer you advice from writing a CV to searching for jobs.

Visit the careers site - https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/employability/jobs-careers-support.htm

Course Benefits

Our course has an emphasis on practice learning and you will undertake two placements - 70 days and 100 days respectively - over the length of the course. These can take place in a variety of settings, giving you important hands-on experience.

We've established close partnerships with local agencies that will provide you with rich and varied practice learning opportunities. This allows you to develop your professional skills - including undertaking statutory duties - within a supportive environment and with a highly qualified tutor and practice educator support.

Modules

Ethical Challenges in Statutory Social Work
Critically examine the professional, ethical and legal principles that underpin social work with vulnerable adults and children, people who lack mental capacity and the mentally ill, exploring the relevance of power and the organisational context for ethical decision making.

Evidence Based Practice in Social Work
Explore the use of evidence in social work and how research evidence can be critically applied to support evidence-based practice. You will explore differing forms of research evidence, and critically analyse their utilisation for practice.

Models of Intervention
Develop your knowledge of key methods, approaches and evidence-based practice within modern social work, analysing the applicability of identified methods of intervention within a range of contexts and across different service user groups.

Practice Placement 1
Undertake a 70 day placement in a local agency providing social care services, testing your own capability to undertake a range of relevant social work roles in predominantly less complex situations with supervision and support.

Practice Placement 2
Undertake a 100 day placement in a local agency providing statutory social work services, teasting your own capability to undertake a range of relevant social work roles in more complex situations.

Preparation for Practice - Effective Engagement with People
Fosuc on the social work communication and engagement skills that will enable you to demonstrate your readiness for direct practice with service users and carers.

Social Work with Adults
Explore key policy issues and legislative frameworks in statutory social work with adults, identifying the challenges of empowering and person centred practices with a range of adult social care user groups.

Social Work with Children and Young People
Undertsnad the professional, ethical and legal principles that underpin social work with children, young people and their families.

Facilities

- Library
Our libraries are two of the only university libraries in the UK open 24/7 every day of the year. However you like to study, the libraries have got you covered with group study, silent study, extensive e-learning resources and PC suites.

- Clinical Skills Suite
The £1 million suite has been designed to meet the learning needs of a range of health professionals, with specialist equipment in purpose-built rooms enabling a variety of sessions to be carried out in a suitable and safe environment.

Find out how to apply here - http://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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Develop yourself with a qualification that allows you to register as a social worker. Discover a career where you can make a real difference to the quality of people's lives.

This course offers you both a masters degree and a professional qualification. Our course lasts two years and will equip you with the skills and knowledge you'll need for effective professional practice as a social worker. It is suitable for graduates from a wide range of disciplines who are committed to a career helping people.

You'll focus on professional practice and take part in two placements in different areas of social work.

On successful completion of the course you'll be able to apply for registration as a social worker with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You will also have gained skills and specialist knowledge that would be suitable for a wide range of careers.

Course content

The course will introduce you to core areas of Social Work before you choose a specialist option to study in more detail. You'll focus on the practice of social work and undertake two placements in different types of social work. The placements allow you to experience contemporary social work with the guidance of a qualified social worker. Your final year will give you the chance to explore an area of social work that's particularly important to you.

Modules
You'll study a range of modules that will introduce you to three core strands of social work:
-Knowledge for Social Work
-Contexts for Social Work
-Social Work Practice

You may study some modules alongside students on the BA Social Work, but your assessment and engagement with lecturers will be at postgraduate level.

Compulsory modules:
-Ethics and Values
-Social Work Law
-Social Policy
-Exploring Knowledge
-Theories and Modules for Understanding
-Assessment and Intervention
-Human Development
-International Context
-Communication Skills
-Preparation for Practice
-Reflective Practice
-Social Work Research
-Current Debates

You'll also have an opportunity to study one area of social work in great detail by choosing from one of our optional modules.

Optional modules:
-Health and Disability Social Work
-Social Work with Children and Families
-Social Work and Mental Health
-Youth Social Work

Placements:
You'll also undertake two placements. The first placement runs from February to June in your first year and will take 70 days. You'll return to the University occasionally for advanced work on the practice and context of social work. The second placement starts at the beginning of your second year, running from late August to March. You'll spend 100 days on this placement. You'll occasionally return to the University to study your specialist module and for teaching that will prepare you for your dissertation.

You'll also complete an 16,000 word dissertation on a subject of your choice. Your dissertation can be literature based or may involve a combination of research and data collection methods.

The dissertation will allow you to demonstrate your skills in research as well as applying insights from the taught modules and your placement experience.

Careers

Postgraduate social workers from York are in high demand and you will be well placed in terms of employment prospects. After graduating you'll be able to apply to register as a social worker with the Health and Care Professions Council.

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Accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council, this degree offers an academic and professional qualification that will enable you to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council to register as a professional Social Worker.

Students of this degree will understand the theoretical foundations of social work, rooted in psychology and sociology. They will explore social policy and legal context, including statutory provisions regarding child care, mental health and adult care. There is also a consistent focus on working with individuals, families, groups, fellow social workers and other professionals.

Placement-based learning is central to this degree, with placements carried out with at least two different service user groups, with personal tutors actively encouraging your progress and a practice educator who will guide and assess your practice.

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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.

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This graduate entry level course is designed to equip social work students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for qualification. Upon successful completion of the course students will have met the published professional standards, be able to register with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) and be ready to begin their first year in employment as a registered and qualified social worker.

The MA (Social Work) is an academic award dependent upon successful completion of a Masters level dissertation. There is an ‘exit award’ of PGDip, which allows successful students to register with the HCPC as a qualified and registered social worker. Students, who take this route, will be eligible to complete a dissertation as a part-time student on another award.

The specific educational aims of the course are to develop:

Social work specific skills and prepare students for 170 practice days

A knowledge base to underpin competent and effective practice

The necessary intellectual skills of critical thinking, inquiry and problem solving as applied to academic learning and to practice eEthical, research minded and critically engaged practice

A social work practice committed to social justice, which recognises structural inequality and which seeks to counter-act this.

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Why choose this course:

• This course will prepare you for a rewarding career in social work, and when you successfully complete the course you'll be a qualified social worker.
• You'll spend 170 days in work placements, where you'll apply the theory you learn into practice.
• You may be able to apply for a bursary from the Department of Health to help with your tuition fees and work placement travel expenses.
• This course is to be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council in Feb 2015.

About the course:

Social workers form partnerships with people, helping them to assess and interpret the problems they face, and support them in finding solutions. This course will provide you with the skills and theories that will enable you to work as a qualified social worker in a range of settings. A career in social work is very challenging, but equally rewarding, as you get the opportunity to help make a difference to someone's life.

During this course you'll spend 170 days in work placements where you can apply the theory you learn into practice. You'll have 80 days in practice during stage one, and 90 days during stage two. We have great links with our partners in the local and surrounding areas so we can provide you with the effective and practical experience you'll need.

Internal applicants can apply directly to the University.

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Effective social work demands a strong bond and understanding between professionals of different disciplines so that users of social work services receive the best possible care. This Masters degree combines perspectives from social care, health, education and other relevant disciplines to ensure you can work effectively in the multi-disciplinary environment of today’s social work.

The programme emphasises effective practice and the practical relevance of theory in practice learning placements. You will have the opportunity to benefit from the knowledge and experience of a range of academics, practitioners, employers, policy makers, service users and carers who have backgrounds in social care, social work, health education and other cognate disciplines.

If you are a graduate from a relevant discipline, who is able to recognise the perspective of service users, their families and carers, and who can demonstrate a clear commitment to becoming a social worker, then this Masters degree is for you. Upon successful completion of the course, you will gain eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a qualified social worker.

What will I study?

The programme is underpinned by the national requirements for social work education and training as agreed by the Health and Care Professions Council and The College of Social Work. The degree therefore requires you to demonstrate an understanding of, for example: Human growth, development, mental health and disability; Assessment, planning, intervention and review; Communication skills with children, adults and those with particular communication needs; Social work law and policy; Partnership-working and information-sharing across professional disciplines and agencies; Safeguarding; Working with conflict.

In Year 1, you will examine the historical and contemporary functions of social work in society and consider the legal and social policy frameworks within social work practice. You will be introduced to a range of sociological and psychological theories and social policies in order to understand some of the social problems and issues faced by individuals, families and communities in contemporary society. The concepts of social inclusion and exclusion will also be considered. Upon the successful completion of an assessment exercise, designed to ensure that you are fully prepared for direct practice, you will undertake a practice placement.

Year 2 is designed to develop your competency to practice in specialist social work contexts. It will also enhance your research skills. You will adopt a global perspective on social work and focus on issues such as race, diversity and equality. A second practice placement will be undertaken and you will complete a period of independent research, culminating in the submission of a dissertation.

How will I study?

Academic-based learning will be delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars and workshops.

You will spend 170 days in practice learning placements supported by 30 days of assessed social work practice skills across the programme. These placements are organised and monitored by the University. You will undertake supervised and assessed work whilst on placement, all of which will contribute to the outcome of your degree.

How will I be assessed?

The programme is assessed through a combination of essays, presentations, text analysis, group work, portfolios, carers’ assessments, video/audio diaries, role plays and examinations. Practice learning will also be assessed, using a range of techniques.

Who will be teaching me?

You can expect input from staff with expertise and knowledge of a range of health and social services settings, together with high quality and emergent research profiles. Contributors to the programme also include people who have direct experience of services, expert practitioners, magistrates, politicians, senior managers and policy makers.

What are my career prospects?

A Masters degree in Social Work is your entry to a range of career opportunities in working with children, adults and communities. You will be able to work within the statutory, voluntary, private and charitable sectors.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will gain eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council.

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This course is an intensive full-time training programme that could see you start a career as a social worker in just 14 months, whilst receiving a Department of Education bursary in addition to course fees. Although this qualification is in Children and Families Social Work, it qualifies as a generic social work qualification. On this course you will usually be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students.

Next start date: month to be confirmed, 2018.

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