Masters in Social Work, MSW (Hons)

The Master in Social Work (Hons) is a four-year professional qualification that enables graduates to register as social workers, offering a challenging and fulfilling career path. This advanced program, incorporating two years of postgraduate study, surpasses standard three-year BA degrees by providing a highly regarded master's-level qualification. Students engage in practical placements, starting with a voluntary sector opportunity in Year 2, followed by diverse social work settings in Years 3 and 4. Input from service users and carers enriches teaching, while the course builds on core modules in social work concepts, theory, and policy, preparing students for ethical and legal practice within an internationally acclaimed school.In Years 1 and 2, core modules introduce foundational theory and practical skills, including service evaluation and research, refined through placements. Year 3 focuses on preparing for a 70-day statutory placement via modules on ethics and policy, while Year 4 includes a 100-day final placement, specialized study, and a dissertation. Assessments comprise essays, presentations, portfolios, communication skills evaluations, and placement reviews, with formative feedback to support student development.

In Year 1, you'll study core modules which introduce social work concepts, fundamental social and sociological theory and social policy. The core modules in Year 2 will introduce more practical elements, building on Year 1's theoretical foundation. You'll develop essential skills for social work, which you'll have a chance to refine on placement with a voluntary organisation or independent social care agency. You'll also learn how to evaluate and develop service provision, and carry out practice-related research. In the first half of Year 3 you'll prepare for your first statutory placement with a range of core modules which ensure you're ready for practice. You will explore the ethical, legal and policy contexts for social work, which will equip you to manage the competing pressures of social work practice. The placement begins in the Spring Term and lasts for 70 days, after completion of a module designed to support your professional development. As part of your fourth year you'll undertake your final statutory placement. This will take 100 days and will contribute 40 credits toward your course. You will also choose a module that will allow you to study a particular branch of social work in more depth, and work on your dissertation. You will work with a qualified social work practice educator who will support and assess you throughout the placement. Your placement is a chance to develop and follow your own professional interests, with guidance from our academic staff.