MSc (PGDip) Social Work
This intensive programme is for graduates from any discipline wishing to train and qualify as social workers.
Through a combination of academic and professional modules, you will focus on both the social science knowledge base of social work, and on developing your practice-relevant knowledge, skills and values through 200 days of practical learning.
Taught by qualified social workers with a range of practice specialisms and research interests, this course offers exciting opportunities to learn alongside students from related professional disciplines including occupational therapy, teaching, nursing and medicine, mirroring the interprofessional nature of social work practice. You will also gain PGDip award in this course.
Users of social work services, carers and experienced practitioners are also actively involved in the course and the delivery of teaching sessions.
The postgraduate diploma (PGDip) can be taken as an alternative and shorter route to obtaining a postgraduate social work qualification with students learning alongside MSc students in all except the dissertation module. It is also available as an early exit award to those registered on the MSc who opt not to take the dissertation module but meet all other requirements of the PGDip.
The MSc and PGDip are both approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, the regulatory body for social workers and other health professionals. All students will address the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Social Workers throughout the course, alongside the former College of Social Work's Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).
Course structure
The course consists of university-based teaching and 200 days of practice learning. In the first term, you’ll be introduced to foundational social work knowledge. This reflects the programme's focus on concepts from critical theory, systemic thinking and relationship-based practice – key components that facilitate development, enabling you to work effectively with service users and carers, whether it be through providing support, advocacy or protection.
The 200 practice learning days are comprised of:
30 developing skills for practice days delivered within the university
a 70-day placement in year 1
a 100-day placement in year 2.
The final placement predominantly takes place within a local authority setting or an organisation that fulfils statutory functions.
During each placement, learning is supported by periods of study at the university and small group tutorials, as well as directed and independent study.
Throughout the course, there are also opportunities to work as part of a larger, interprofessional, group. In the past, this has included working with students from other vocational courses, such as medicine, occupational therapy and education.
Careers
Social work is a rewarding career for those committed to improving the life opportunities and wellbeing of others, whilst promoting rights and social justice.
Registered social workers generally have little trouble finding employment. There are many relevant vacancies advertised locally and nationally, and there continues to be a demand for social workers both in established posts and with agencies who provide temporary staff to statutory organisations.
Social workers can specialise in many different areas, including working with children, youth offending, family centres, older people, disabled people, mental health services, homeless people, asylum seekers and refugees, and substance misuse.
This intensive programme is for graduates from any discipline wishing to train and qualify as social workers.
Through a combination of academic and professional modules, you will focus on both the social science knowledge base of social work, and on developing your practice-relevant knowledge, skills and values through 200 days of practical learning.
Taught by qualified social workers with a range of practice specialisms and research interests, this course offers exciting opportunities to learn alongside students from related professional disciplines including occupational therapy, teaching, nursing and medicine, mirroring the interprofessional nature of social work practice. You will also gain PGDip award in this course.
Users of social work services, carers and experienced practitioners are also actively involved in the course and the delivery of teaching sessions.
The postgraduate diploma (PGDip) can be taken as an alternative and shorter route to obtaining a postgraduate social work qualification with students learning alongside MSc students in all except the dissertation module. It is also available as an early exit award to those registered on the MSc who opt not to take the dissertation module but meet all other requirements of the PGDip.
The MSc and PGDip are both approved by the Health and Care Professions Council, the regulatory body for social workers and other health professionals. All students will address the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Social Workers throughout the course, alongside the former College of Social Work's Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).
Course structure
The course consists of university-based teaching and 200 days of practice learning. In the first term, you’ll be introduced to foundational social work knowledge. This reflects the programme's focus on concepts from critical theory, systemic thinking and relationship-based practice – key components that facilitate development, enabling you to work effectively with service users and carers, whether it be through providing support, advocacy or protection.
The 200 practice learning days are comprised of:
30 developing skills for practice days delivered within the university
a 70-day placement in year 1
a 100-day placement in year 2.
The final placement predominantly takes place within a local authority setting or an organisation that fulfils statutory functions.
During each placement, learning is supported by periods of study at the university and small group tutorials, as well as directed and independent study.
Throughout the course, there are also opportunities to work as part of a larger, interprofessional, group. In the past, this has included working with students from other vocational courses, such as medicine, occupational therapy and education.
Careers
Social work is a rewarding career for those committed to improving the life opportunities and wellbeing of others, whilst promoting rights and social justice.
Registered social workers generally have little trouble finding employment. There are many relevant vacancies advertised locally and nationally, and there continues to be a demand for social workers both in established posts and with agencies who provide temporary staff to statutory organisations.
Social workers can specialise in many different areas, including working with children, youth offending, family centres, older people, disabled people, mental health services, homeless people, asylum seekers and refugees, and substance misuse.
