Masters Degrees (Social Work Ma)

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- http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/ma-social-work/

Why study MA Social Work at Goldsmiths?

-This Masters programme is ideal if you are a graduate, with relevant experience, interested in pursuing a professional career in social work

-It prepares you according to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency – Social Workers in England and the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF), the Quality Assurance Agency subject benchmark for social work, and the Department of Health's requirements for social work training

-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 will be taught by established social work academics and associate lecturers who have considerable research and/or practice experience in their fields

-Our social work programmes are highly regarded by potential employers within London and further afield, and our graduates have an excellent record of securing employment; they've gone on to work in local authority children's services departments, adult services departments, and independent sector and voluntary sector agencies such as the NSPCC, Family Action and Mind, and a recent graduate was named Newly Qualified Social Worker of the Year

-We'll equip you with the knowledge, values and skills you'll need to practise as a reflective and ethical social worker, equipped for the challenges of contemporary social work practice

-You will 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 will develop your skills for reflective and evidence-based practice and will be able to further your research mindedness

This programme is approved by the Health & Care Professions Council.

Excellence in practice and teaching

Goldsmiths has a long tradition of social work education, and our programmes are internationally regarded as excellent in both practice learning and critical studies. They also have a strong focus on anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.

We have a lively programme of research taking place in areas as diverse as:

-the links between child abuse and domestic violence
-multi-family group work with teenage parents
-service user perspectives and transnational adoption
-mental health social workers' use of mental health laws and coercion
-equality and diversity in social work education
-the effects of political conflict on social work practice and education
-reflective professional social work practice
-evaluative approaches to service provision

Our research informs and underpins our teaching and students are invited to share our interests as well as develop their own through undertaking a small scale research project and developing their research mindedness in a final year extended essay.

Find out more about service user and carer involvement in social work education at Goldsmiths.

South East London Teaching Partnership

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 are one of only four sites across the country to have received 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.

Intake

The programme has an intake of around 35-40 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.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact the Admissions Tutor.

Modules & Structure

Successful applicants on the MA in Social Work commit to studying on a full-time taught course over two years. On successful completion you will receive a MA in Social Work which is the professional entry qualification to be a social worker and it enables you to apply for registration as a social worker with the Health and Care Professions Council.

The curriculum aims to provide you with the value, knowledge and skill base for practice and is organised around study units, workshops, lectures/seminar modules, projects and private study. The teaching and learning opportunities centre on the key areas of the social sciences and their application to Social Work practice, as well developing your intellectual capacity, and the skills necessary to get you ready for practice. There is an expectation that you attend at least 85% of all aspects of the programme.

The structured learning includes specific learning in:

human growth and development, mental health and disability
social work theories and methods; assessment, planning, intervention and review
communication skills with children, adults and those with particular communication needs
law, and partnership working across professional disciplines and agencies
social science research methods, including ethical issues
Practice is central to the programme, and there will be practice placements in two settings and with different service user groups (eg child care and mental health). The learning on the programme builds over the two years and prepares you to apply your knowledge to practice situations. We work closely with a range of practice organisations in the Greater London Area. The placements are allocated by our placement tutor and matched with individual profiles. In some instances you may have to travel long distances to your placement organisation. You will need to cover the cost of travel to your placement. You will be expected to work the core hours.

At Goldsmiths we recognise:

the unique contribution that all students bring as individuals to the programme in terms of their personal qualities and life experiences
that professional training builds on the uniqueness of each individual by facilitating the student’s exploration of the values, knowledge base and skills of Social Work practice
that it is the student’s responsibility not only to develop a technical acquaintance with the framework of Social Work practice but also to demonstrate competence through its application in practice
that Social Workers are at the interface of society’s attempts to promote welfare
Social workers have a dual responsibility to act within the state’s welfare framework and also to recognise the pervasive influence of oppression and discrimination at an individual and a structural level in most of the situations in which they work. We will prepare you for this professional responsibility.

Year 1

In year 1 you are introduced to social work as a professional activity and an academic discipline. You consider key concepts such as the nature of need, community, social work services, and the significance of the service user perspective.

You are also provided with an introduction to: life-span development, assessment in social work and a range of social work intervention approaches. Your assessed practice consists of 70 days spent as a social worker; this gives you the chance to develop your communication and social work practice skills with service users, and to work in partnership across professional disciplines and agencies.

Year 2

Year 2 provides you with an overview of the legal and organisational context of social work, and extends your knowledge and skills in one of the two main specialist areas of social work practice: working with children and families, or working with adults in need. You will work in small groups to explore methods of intervention, research and theories which are relevant to a particular area of social work, while another assessed practice element enables you to meet the professional requirements for social work training via 100 days of practice under the guidance of a practice assessor.

You are expected to demonstrate competence across a range of standards and this is formally assessed. The learning on the MA Social Work programme builds over the two years and prepares you to apply that knowledge to practice situations.

Practice placements

You are required to spend 170 days in practice settings.

In Year 1 there is a practice placement lasting 70 days and in Year 2 the practice placement lasts 100 days. These placements are arranged through the allocation system devised by the College. The practice placements will be supported by 30 days for the development of practice skills.

You have an identified Practice Educator for each of the two practice placements. Most of our placements are located in South East London, so if you live elsewhere you will need to travel.

We have partnership agreements with the following organisations for placements in social work:

London Borough of Brent – Childrens Services
London Borough of Brent – Adults Services
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea – Adults Services
London Borough of Lambeth – Childrens Services
London Borough of Southwark – Childrens Services
London Borough of Southwark – Adults Services
London Borough of Lewisham – Childrens Services
London Borough of Lewisham – Adults Services
London Borough of Croydon – Adults Services
Royal Borough of Greenwich – Childrens Services
Royal Borough of Greenwich – Adults Services
London Borough of Bromley – Childrens Services
London Borough of Bromley – Adults Services
NSPCC (London Region)

We also work with about 20-30 voluntary/private social care agencies each year. Here are some that we've worked with recently:

Equinox Care Mental Health Services
Body and Soul HIV Service
Jamma Umoja Family Assessment Services
Advocacy in Greenwich Learning Disability Service
Lewisham Refugee Network
Turning Point Mental Health Services
Carers Lewisham

Assessment

The programme is assessed by a range of methods including essays, assessed role plays, take home papers, project work, a practice based case study, a final year dissertation, and the production of a practice portfolio for each placement.

Assessment of practice is by reports by your Practice Educator. This includes direct observation of your work with service users as well as your practice portfolio, and a narrative giving an evaluation of your work.

Professional standards

Social work is a regulated profession. From 1 August 2012, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) took on the regulation of social workers and the regulation of the performance of social work courses. This means that social work students will need to adhere to the standards set out in the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Guidance on conduct and ethics for students (HCPC 2009), and work towards meeting the HCPC Standards of Proficiency - Social workers in England (HCPC 2012). These are the standards social work students are expected to demonstrate at the end of their last placement/ qualifying level.

Skills

You'll develop the ability to practise social work in a wide variety of settings with different service user groups.

Careers

The programme will enable you to register and practise as a qualified social worker.

Funding

Please visit http://www.gold.ac.uk/pg/fees-funding/ for details.

Read less

The MA programme at Leeds offers a “fast track” programme to professional registration as a social worker. It’s an exciting opportunity for graduates with some experience and knowledge of social care to enter a challenging and rewarding profession that contributes to the well-being of society.

This respected programme has strong partnership links to the statutory, private, voluntary and independent sectors, and our graduates are highly sought after in the employment market. During the programme, you'll have excellent placement opportunities across a range of providers.

You’ll benefit from the small student number we recruit and will enjoy a high level of support from tutors. Practice and theory have equal value on the programme, and they inform and develop each other.

The Social Work MA involves service users and carers in all aspects of our programme and supports an inter-professional perspective in both the theory and practice of social work, studied at a world-leading university.

Accreditation

Graduates of this HCPC-approved programme are eligible to apply for registration as a social worker on the HCPC Register.

Course content

You’ll study the law and social work with children, families and adults. You’ll learn about research methods and complete a dissertation. You’ll also be required to undertake 200 days of placement in a social work setting, supported by practice teachers and assessors.

This programme accepts a small number of students in each year group and the social work team is committed to providing a stimulating, supportive and challenging environment for study.

Course structure

Year 1 Compulsory modules

• Social Work Law 1 15 credits
• Social Work with Adults 15 credits
• Social Work with Children & Families 15 credits
• Professional Practice 4 30 credits
• Research Methods 15 credits

Year 2 Compulsory modules

• Dissertation 45 credits
• Social Work Law 2 15 credits
• Professional Practice 5 30 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Social Work MA in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

The social work programme is designed to allow you to study as an adult learner. The programme’s methods of study and training are highly participative, with a combination of tutor-led input and support, learning through group work and discussion, and individual exercises and practice. There is a strong emphasis on developing a critically reflective practitioner. Service users and carers along with experienced current practitioners take a full part in the teaching and learning on the programme. You’ll have access to modern University and School of Healthcare facilities.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a combination of essay, exam, practice portfolio and dissertation. The workload of assessment is carefully spread throughout the programme.

Read less

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

Read less

Are you a solutions person who can meet a challenge? Do you function in crisis situations; are you resilient, flexible and a team player?

Social workers advise and support people at times of difficulty and deal with a wide range of problems such as the effects of ill health, disability, family breakdown, bereavement, discrimination, poverty and disadvantage. Helping people in these situations is rewarding but complex and challenging and requires a high level of commitment and resilience.

The MA Social Work programme reflects changes in government policy and social work practice and is based on current knowledge and research. We have strong partnerships with local employers ensuring high quality practice placements and potential job opportunities on completion of the programme.

Innovative teaching and learning resources have been developed such as the use of drama and online resource access as student support and the student experience are our key priorities. Our teaching team is supported by practitioners, service users and carers and in addition there are close links between the social work programmes and the university's Centre for Applied Social Research. University of Greenwich has a strong track record of achievement and provides high quality education approved by the HCPC and endorsed by the College of Social Work.

Please note that the part-time route is employment based and only available to graduates sponsored/supported by their employer in partnership and through agreement with the programme.

The Department of Psychology, Social Work & Counselling is a trusted provider of excellent academic degrees and vocational training. Our teaching staff are research active and are experts in their respective field. The department is consistently rated highly in the National Student Survey. We pride ourselves on combining high-quality teaching with world-class research and a vibrant student experience. We have well-equipped facilities and laboratories to support our activities and we employ creative teaching methods and assessment techniques. All our programmes offer a wide choice of courses and we welcome and offer support to students from a range of backgrounds.

The aims of the programme are:

- To facilitate graduates to gain social work knowledge, skills and understanding and the ability to apply these to their practice and work with and support families and individuals who have challenging and complex needs

- To develop and enhance students ability to critically analyse the values which underpin social work, such as social justice, equality and fairness. Additionally, students will develop an understanding of social policy, current social work legislation and enhanced practice skills

- To develop critically reflective practitioners who can demonstrate excellent communication skills, creativity and emotional resilience and deal with the complexities and challenges of the social work task.

Visit the website http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/courses/pg/hsc/hsc

Health and Social Care

With over 20 years’ experience as a trusted provider of health and social care training and education, we are committed to providing our students with the knowledge and skills to become valued members of the community and to the continuing professional development of qualified professionals.

We are at the forefront of research and innovation in the field of health and social care and our teaching staff have both practical know-how and academic expertise.

What you'll study

Full time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Law and Policy for Social Work (20 credits)
Human Growth and Development For Social Work Practice (20 credits)
Social Theories for Professional Practice (20 credits)
Skills, Methods and Models of Social Work Practice (20 credits)
Research Minded Evidence Based Practice (10 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Power, Politics and Change in Social Work Practice (10 credits)
Transition towards Professional Social Work Practice (10 credits)
Managing Complexity in Social Work Practice with Adults, Children and Families (20 credits)
Social Work Dissertation (60 credits)

Part time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Law and Policy for Social Work (20 credits)
Human Growth and Development For Social Work Practice (20 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Social Theories for Professional Practice (20 credits)
Skills, Methods and Models of Social Work Practice (20 credits)
Research Minded Evidence Based Practice (10 credits)

- Year 3:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Power, Politics and Change in Social Work Practice (10 credits)
Transition towards Professional Social Work Practice (10 credits)
Managing Complexity in Social Work Practice with Adults, Children and Families (20 credits)
Social Work Dissertation (60 credits)

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:
- Postgraduate finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/pg)
- International students' finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/international)

Assessment

Assessment methods will include essays, case studies, presentations, observation reports, portfolios and practice documentation.

Career options

Graduates will be prepared to work with and support families and individuals who have challenging and complex needs, in a range of settings.

Find out about the teaching and learning outcomes here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/645462/Social-Work-PG-Dip-MA-P12654.pdf

Find out how to apply here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/apply

Read less

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/

Read less

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.

Read less

This is a two-year full-time programme leading to an MA and a professional qualification in social work.

Situated within the broader environment of social sciences, this programme provides a theoretical and critical approach to the acquisition and appreciation of knowledge about social work practice and its context. Principles of human rights are core.

Distinctive features

• Our teaching staff have current practice and research backgrounds that keep them up to date with developments in the field.

• A range of placement opportunities in specialist fields are provided.

• Bursaries may be available from the Care Council for Wales (or other UK equivalent councils).

• The programme continues to meet the Care Council for Wales’ requirements with no conditions according to yearly reviews.

• There are opportunities to take part in student exchange (ERASMUS) and carry out some study abroad (currently Finland, Lithuania, Austria or Germany).

• Users of social services are central to the management and delivery of the Programme.

Structure

All University and agency-based teaching and learning is structured in accordance with the National Occupational Standards for Social Work and the Code of Professional Practice and the requirements of the Care Council for Wales. Furthermore the teaching responds to UK subject benchmarks for social work.

The programme will be delivered between early September and late July of each year with one week vacation periods at Christmas and Easter.

All subjects on the MA Social Work are mandatory/core – there is no optional element. Your specialisation at the end of year two is one subject but splits into one of two themes: adults or children and families. 

Your time will be divided between formal study and undertaking practical learning placements.

Please visit the website to see the modules taught on this course:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-work-ma

Teaching

Teaching is offered in a range of ways: lectures, seminars, group work, self-directed study, role plays and in practice settings.

You will be expected to attend all timetabled sessions and are also expected to engage in independent study. You will receive supervision to help you complete the dissertation, but you will be expected to manage your own time to undertake significant independent study during this phase.

You are expected to adhere to the Cardiff University policy on Dignity at Work and Study and to the Care Council for Wales Code of Professional Practice.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including essays, class tests, project work, case studies, practice portfolios and reflective accounts.

Agency-based practice learning is examined and a ‘pass recommendation’ by the designated practice assessor is required together with a pass in academic work. 

Career Prospects

Your professional development will be strengthened through strong tutorial support, a research-led teaching environment and access to a range of placement opportunities in specialist fields.

On successful completion of the course you qualify as a social worker and will be able to assume the title of Registered Social Worker. This enables you to become employed in a range of social work settings. We have a high employment rate for our students.

Placements

You will carry out three periods of practice in placement throughout the programme, 20 and then 80 days in year one and 100 days in year two. 

These are organised and provided through our partnership with the ten local authorities here in South East Wales.

Read less

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.

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.

The University of Birmingham has been providing social work education since 1908 and recently celebrated 100 years of social work education. As the oldest running social work education programme in the country, we are proud of our history and we are committed to continuing our work to raise professional social work standards and promote good practice.

The Department has developed a reputation for delivering high quality teaching and learning which enables students to become critically reflective, research informed practitioners.

About the School of Social Policy

The mission of the School of Social Policy is to ‘understand the world – but also to change it’. This means doing high quality and relevant research, but using this as a starting point for making a practical difference in the real world (through our teaching, through professional training and CPD for managers and practitioners, through policy advice and work in front-line services, through raising public and media awareness and through working directly alongside local people and communities).
In turning this mission into practice, we are proud of our many achievements, including running the UK's oldest social work training programme (dating back to 1908, our multiple award-winning NHS Management Training Scheme, the relationships we have with local partners in the public and voluntary sectors, and our leading role in the largest senior leadership development programmes in the history of the health service.
More than three quarters of our research is rated as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' in terms of its rigour, significance and originality, and we have extensive international links with like-minded partners at Harvard, Melbourne, Peking, Vancouver, Seoul and beyond.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

Read less

Applications for places on the MA Social Work course for September 2015 are now closed. Please contact us if you’d like to discuss an application for 2016 entry.

The fundamental intention of the course programme is to equip students to take up positions within the professionally qualified social work workforce. The overall objective is to provide a programme which satisfies the requirements of the Care Council ‘Framework for the Degree in Social Work in Wales’ (2012). To achieve this, the programme of study includes a suite of core academic modules and a requirement of at least 200 days on placement over the two years. Successful completion qualifies students to begin working as registered social workers.

The modules and practice learning opportunities are designed to provide graduating students with the required knowledge, skills and values to begin practicing as newly qualified social workers. They are based on the QAA Benchmarks for Social Work, and the National Occupational Standards for Social Work.

The programme offers both Welsh and English routes. Students will be able to pursue their studies entirely through the medium of Welsh or English. All the modules will be delivered in Welsh and English, and all assessments can be presented in either Welsh or English.

Download the course leaflet

Careers
After qualification you will be able to work in a wide range of health or social care settings, often working alongside other professionals such as occupational therapists or psychologists, in multidisciplinary teams. As well as statutory social work settings like Children and Families teams, older people teams and community mental health teams, social workers may be employed as hospitals, in community development projects or with non-statutory organisations perhaps supporting refugees and asylum-seekers, or working with young parents in need of support.

Partnership with Employers
The School of Social Sciences works in partnership with Gwynedd, Ynys Môn and Conwy Local Authorities to develop, deliver and manage this Social Work programme. Partner local authorities are involved in recruitment, student selection, contributing to teaching and undertaking assessment of students. The primary partners also provide practice learning opportunities, along with other employing agencies and ensure that students develop a strong understanding of social work practice in North Wales, alongside their academic development

Structure
We believe in providing a wide range of teaching and learning opportunities. These will include participation in lectures, seminars, group work, role play, student-directed learning projects and computer-enhanced learning. Practice learning opportunities enable you to learn from skilled and experienced practitioners within a structured and supportive environment.

Year 1
Social Policy for Social Work Practice
Knowledge and Skills Base for Social Work
The Life Course
Values and Ethics for Social Work Practice
The Research Process
Practice Learning Opportunity
Year 2
Social Work Dissertation
Legal Imperatives for Social Work
Social Work with Children, Young People and Families
Community Care
Practice Learning Opportunity
Dissertation: The Dissertation provides students with an opportunity to conduct a small-scale yet significant piece of individual research supervised by a research supervisor. Students identify a research question, and collect and analyse data that bears on the research question, utilising an appropriate analytical framework. They then address the research question in the light of their findings. The research undertaken is presented in the format of a 20,000 word (max) dissertation employing the usual conventions.

Read less

The MA Social Work degree at Middlesex University in London is one of the accredited qualifying degrees for social workers in England. The course involves professional placements and study on campus. You will develop powers of enquiry and critical appraisal vital for careers on the frontline of social services.

The MA Social Work is available to practising and aspiring social workers, with an employment and college-based route available. It is offered only as a full-time programme. We do not offer a part-time option.

You will benefit from our excellent student facilities at Hendon, and be taught by a team of experts. You will benefit enormously from the wealth of knowledge and practical experience our staff bring to the courses, through their ongoing research and strong links to practice settings.

Read less

These new postgraduate degrees are aimed at qualified social workers practicing or wanting to specialise in social work. They are underpinned by the new Professional Capabilities Framework and by the following:

- Evidence informed research and practice and critical and reflective practice, linked to contemporary policy and legislative frameworks
- Empowerment and anti-oppressive, practice, enhancing outcomes for users of services
- Professional identity and leadership with an interdisciplinary focus and in a multi-professional, multi-agency context.

Whatever your sector or career stage, we believe the programmes' emphasis on evidence informed practice combined with a relationship based focus will be of great interest to social work practitioners.

Additionally, they offer significant career benefits as an increasing number of employers are requiring their social workers to complete a post-qualifying specialist award before progression from experienced social worker to advanced social worker level, or to management.

As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.

Read less

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.

Read less

The MA in Social Work delivers a professional qualification combined with an academic award. Successful completion of the course means individuals are eligible to apply to join the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register which is a requirement in order to practice as a social worker in the UK.

This course is approved by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The course dynamically integrates theory and practice embracing both learning in the classroom and in placement settings. The course provides a generic learning opportunity encompassing all service user groups and every effort is made to involve service users, carers, practitioners and managers from across the social work arena in the learning experience.

While the course works to the UK points of reference including the QAA benchmarks the requirements of the HCPC, the course team also embrace the International Federation of Social Work’s definition:

“The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work.”

Links are developing with social work courses at universities in Russia and there may be opportunities for exchange visits as well as sharing with students from a number of countries attending the annual summer school at the university.

Read less

Overview

Social Work is a practice based profession which engages people and groups to address complex life challenges and enhance well being. The social work discipline is underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and practice based knowledge. Our enthusiastic staff group bring a wide variety of experiences from practice and research which include: child rights, gerontology, protection and safeguarding and the value base of social work. We have a long established history of providing social work at Keele and offer an informed and critical approach to knowledge about the social content in which social work is practiced. We offer an excellent range of practice placements and our highly regarded skill based learning is led by social work practitioners and people who use services. Graduates from the MA programmes have consistently demonstrated high rates of progression into relevant employment.

We also offer a Professional Doctorate in Social Work for registered social work practitioners. More information is available at the following link: http://www.keele.ac.uk/pgresearch/

See the website https://www.keele.ac.uk/pgtcourses/socialwork/

Course Aims

The course prepares you at postgraduate level for employment as a professionally qualified social worker and lays the foundation for your continuing professional development. It also provides an academically rigorous education at Masters Level, focusing on critical, research and evaluative skills. In order to qualify, you will be assessed through assessed practice and relevant academic study. After qualification you are eligible to apply for registration to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). For this process all social work students (undergraduate and postgraduate) must be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, critical evaluation and practice application of the following:
- Principles, values and ethics, theories, models and methods;

- Legislation and policy/social work services and service users;

- Organisational/service delivery context;

- Practice.

Course Content

This professional qualifying programme continues for two full calendar years (24 months) full-time, starting in September. Teaching methods include seminars, lectures, workshops and skills workshops employing a range of methods. All parts of the course are compulsory. The programme incorporates the following elements:

- 300 Masters Level credits, of which 60 credits are awarded on the basis of a dissertation and 240 credits through taught modules – these are to be passed at Masters Level, with a pass mark of 50%, for the award of MA;

- Assessment in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work comprising practice learning of 170 days and practice associated assignments which are to be passed at Masters level;

- The core curriculum content as specified by the College of Social Work;

- Compliance with QAA benchmark statement for social work.

In Year One of the course you must demonstrate your suitability for professional training in order to progress to the next stage of the award. This year will also introduce you to the general principles of social work. Year Two aims to develop analytical, research and evaluation skills integrated with your developing practice, knowledge, skills and values. Each year includes practice learning in a social work setting.

Year One:
Taught Modules

(Assessed at Masters level (credits in brackets) - total 70 Level 4 credits)

- Power and discrimination (10)
- Introduction to legal processes (10)
- Social work theory and methods 1 (10)
- Area of Practice 1: children and families (15)
- Area of Practice 1: adults (social science, law, policy and practice) (15)
- Life course development (10)

Personal and Professional Development
- Taught element (interpersonal skills, preparation for practice learning)
- 100 days practice learning

Year Two:
Taught Modules

(Assessed at Masters level (credits in brackets) - total 50 Level 4 credits)

- Social work theory and methods 2 (10)
- Social work research (10)
- Area of practice 2: children and families (law, disability, mental health, inter-professional working, risk) (15)
- Area of practice 2: adults (law, disability, mental health, interprofessional working, risk) (15)

Dissertation:
15,000 words dissertation (60 Level 4 credits)
Personal and Professional Development

- Taught element (interpersonal skills, preparation for practice learning)
- 100 days practice learning

Teaching & Assessment

You are required to pass all written assignments including essays and case studies, and examinations (year two only), together with a dissertation. You must also reach a satisfactory level of competence in relation to the Standards of Proficiency and Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work.

A central feature of this approach is the recognition that you are responsible for your own learning.

Teaching Methods:
We recognise that different people learn in different ways and so we use a variety of methods to ensure that you have ample opportunity to develop you knowledge and skills. These methods include: lectures, group discussions, skills workshops, skills rehearsals, seminars, computer-aided learning and information technology, directed study, private study, self-help groups, direct practice, and tutorials.

Additional Costs

- Additional costs for textbooks, inter-library loans, photocopying, printing, and potential overdue library fines.

- DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks: In addition to meeting academic requirements, all offers are conditional on candidates obtaining a satisfactory, enhanced disclosure and barring service check. This procedure is carried out before the start of the course and will incur a charge of £44 (the current cost of a DBS disclosure).

No other additional costs for this postgraduate programme are anticipated.

Find information on Scholarships here - http://www.keele.ac.uk/studentfunding/bursariesscholarships/

Read less

Working in this sector is very rewarding. Social workers help some of the most vulnerable people in society. The role provides support and assistance to a host of individuals, families and groups, from the homeless to people with learning and physical disabilities. Social workers often spend their time with people – be it at hospitals, care homes or at people's homes, assessing their circumstances and building relationships.

This is both an academic and a professional qualification with all successful graduates are eligible for registration as professional social workers with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The aim of the programme is to develop practitioners who can meet the needs of the service users, carers and communities in the context of a complex and changing welfare environment. Founded on holistic, service user-centred model of care, the course produces creative, innovative and reflective social work professionals committed to working in partnership to promote well-being and make a real difference.

On MA Social Work practice-based learning complements university-based lectures, seminars and workshops, drawing on established, contemporary and innovative approaches to work with a diverse range of service users. The course is underpinned by a commitment to inter-professionalism, service-user and carer empowerment and involvement, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory values and evidence based practice. The course adopts a systematic approach to the development and assessment of your social work skills and includes a specific programme of social work development.

There are five core areas of knowledge and understanding relevant to social work:

• Social work services and the needs of service users
• The service delivery context
• Values and ethics
• Social work theory
• The nature of social work practice.

These areas are systematically explored throughout the course in relation to the key roles of social work, which include:

• Assessment
• Intervention
• Support
• Managing risk
• Managing your own practice
• Demonstrating professional competence.

Employment based route

It is also possible to study the MA Social Care on an employment based route (EBR). Candidates need to be sponsored and supported by their employing agency to undertake this. It is taught alongside the existing MA Social Work and the structure is the same, but students have the option of doing the dissertation in a third year and completing their qualification over a three year period.

Modules

Year 1

Readiness for direct practice
Human growth and development
Practice placement 1
Social work Law
Methods and theories for practice

Year 2

Society and ethics
Professional capabilities in social work practice settings
Communication and collaborative working
Practice learning placement 2
Limited systematic review dissertation

Timetable

On the full-time course you will attend the University generally one day per week and the remainder will be on placement.

You will undertake a 70 day placement in year one and a 100 day placement in year 2.

Professional links

This course has been developed in partnership with local authority and voluntary sector partners, with input from a wide range of service users and carers. We work in partnership with a number of London local authorities, and other organisations on both the public and private sector, who contribute to planning the programme, to learning and teaching, and to the provision of practice learning opportunities. The MA Social Work is both an academic and professional qualification and is approved by The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the regulator of health, Psychological and Social professionals.

Social work as a career

You will normally specialise in a certain group of society, such as children. Much of the work is around helping decide the level of support or protection required, responding to requests for help and working with other agencies and professionals for the best outcomes. Most opportunities are with local authorities, where salaries can vary substantially between regions - you are likely to earn more working in London. However there are also opportunities available at private care homes, charities and NHS Trusts.

A patient, non-judgemental mind-set is needed, with the ability to communicate effectively with a host of different people and gain their trust. The work demands a level of resilience and a genuine desire to help people, as some cases may be disturbing, and some people won't want your help.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• Direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• Mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

Read less