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.
