Social Work, PG Dip/MA

This programme is for graduates and leads to the nationally recognised qualification in social work and eligibility to register as a social worker with the General Social Care Council (the GSCC will shortly transfer this function to the Health Professions Council).

On completion, students will be able to work in the full range of social work and social care organisations in the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors.

At the beginning of the programme, all students will initially enrol for the PGDip programme and either progress to the MA programme in year two (depending on the grade point average achieved in year 1) or continue with the PGDip. Undertaking the MA will involve completing a 60-credit Master's dissertation in year 2. The programme includes 200 days of supervised practice placements, 80 days in year 2 and 120 days in year 2.

Both the PGDip and MA lead to eligibility for registration as a social worker. Although this programme is a postgraduate one, application is via UCAS. The code for this programme is L502 A MOD/SW.

School

Health & Social Care

Location

Avery Hill Campus

Attendance

MA: 24 months full-time, 36 months part-time. PGDip: 2 academic years full-time, 3 academic years part-time.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have:

A first class honours degree or 2.1 preferably in the social sciences

PLUS GCSE English and mathematics at grade C or above, or equivalent.

PLUS a minimum of one year’s full-time experience or equivalent in a social work related activity, either paid or voluntary.

• Applicants with a high 2.2 degree may be considered.

• Applicants should also either be eligible for an NHS Social Work bursary or will be funded by their employer.

• Applicants will need to obtain a reference from their manager or volunteer coordinator.

• Applicants will also need to provide evidence of a satisfactory CRB and health check.

• Students who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an IELTS score of 7 with not less than 6 achieved in any element.

Assessment

A range of assessment methods will be used including essays, case studies, observation reports, portfolios and practice documentation.

Career options

Social work is entering a time of considerable change a reform. For their future careers this programme will have prepared students to work with and support families and individuals who have challenging and complex needs in a range of settings.

Aims of the programme

To facilitate graduates to gain social work knowledge, skills and understanding and the ability to apply these to their practice. This will enable them, on qualification, to 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.

Content

Year 1

Human Growth and Development for Social Work Practice
Law and Policy for Social Work
Social Theories for Professional Practice
Skills, Methods and Models of Social Work Practice (including an extended period of 80 days practice learning)

Year 2

Research Minded Evidence Based Practice
Power, Politics and Change in Social Work Practice
Transition towards Professional Social Work Practice
Working with Complexity in Social Work Practice (including an extended period of 120 days practice learning)
Research Project (MA students only)

Note: the part-time route is employment based and only available to graduates employed in organisations which are in partnership with the programme.

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: