Overview
This two-year Master’s degree in Social Work will equip you with the skills and experience you need to become a professional social worker and make a real difference in the lives of children and families, mental health patients, people with disabilities or vulnerable adults.
The course combines theory and practice – you’ll learn about the latest legislation, planning and policy, and put it all into practice in professional settings, with real people.
You’ll undertake two separate work placements – one in your first year and one in your second year, most likely with local NHS social service providers.
The NHS bursary for postgraduate social work students can help with the cost of your fees, your living costs, and includes a contribution towards your placement travel expenses.
When you successfully complete the course, you'll be eligible to apply to register as a social worker with the professional regulatory body, Social Work England.
Course highlights
- Our staff are current and recent social work professionals
- Take part in skills days – full-day workshops with professional social workers to help prepare you for your placements
- Practise your skills in our Simulation Centre which features a realistic flat, bedroom and hospital ward where you'll prepare for home visits and care-giving in hospital and care home settings
- Work closely with our Social Work Inclusion Group – local social services users from a variety of backgrounds that help our students understand the needs of different individuals and communities
- Develop your critical and analytical skills with a dissertation project on a subject in your own area of interest
- Undertake two placements in professional practice settings which could be schools, supported living facilites, hospitals or health centres
Careers and opportunities
When you graduate from the MSc Social Work degree course, you'll have the knowledge and practical skills to work in any branch of social work.
As a newly qualified social worker (NQSW), there are a number of opportunities open to you. Most local authorities in England operate a scheme for newly qualified practitioners, called the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE). This provides intensive supervision and guidance in your first year as well as a protected caseload.
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- ASYE (Approved and Supported Year in Employment) Social Worker
- Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
- Senior Case Worker
- Social Worker
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for employers such as:
- Portsmouth City Council
- Hampshire County Council
- Northumberland County Council
