Durham University, Centre for Applied Social Studies Masters Degrees

Why study at Durham?

The Centre for Applied Social Studies at the University of Durham ranks among the top five social work departments in the UK (The Guardian survey). The Durham Master of Social Work (MSW) offers excellent teaching from leading researchers and experienced practitioners from social services departments and the voluntary sector. The Department was rated excellent by the GSCC in 2002 and was judged as producing research of national and international excellence in its first submission to the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise.

The Social Work programme at Durham attracts students from the North East region, from all areas of the UK and from overseas. Durham is an attractive historic city, home to Durham Cathedral voted the nation’s ‘favourite building’. The city has excellent road connections via the A1M, is 15 minutes from Newcastle and three hours from London by train. Newcastle airport has direct links to London and the continent.

Academic and personal support

All students have an academic tutor throughout the programme and all students have an approved practice teacher for each practice placement. During the first year students are also supported in tutorial groups. The programme provides support for students from minority groups, including groups for Black and minority ethnic students, and for lesbian, gay and bisexual students. The University Service for Students with Disabilities (DUSSD) provides support for disabled students, including those with dyslexia.

All Durham students are encouraged to join one of the colleges of the university, which provide a range of pastoral and academic support and social activities.