Social Work MA

This MA in Social Work delivers a professional qualification combined with an academic award. Successful completion of the course allows registration with the GSCC, allowing you to practice as a social worker in the UK.

The course dynamically integrates theory and practice, allowing you to spend time both in the classroom and in placement settings. The course provides a generic learning opportunity embracing all service user groups and every effort is made to involve service users, carers, practitioners and managers from across the social work arena in the learning experience.

While the course works to the UK points of reference including the GSCC, Department of Health and QAA benchmarks, the course team also embrace the International Federation of Social Work’s definition:

“The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work.”

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How to Apply

Study options

The course is offered as a two-year full-time degree course

The course commences each January for 24 months and the award is confirmed at the January Exam Board

While the expectation is that students register for and complete the Masters award (nine modules), some students may for various reasons not meet the full requirement but may be able to claim an interim award: Postgraduate Certificate (three modules) or Postgraduate Diploma (six modules). Applicants should note that only the full MA Social Work award will enable them to register with the GSCC as a social worker

Get in touch

Philip Hoare
01905 855345
p.hoare@worc.ac.uk

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

An Honours Degree at 2:2 or above
A minimum of six months contemporary, relevant practice experience verified by reference
An understanding of the nature of social work
Commitment to the values of social work
Evidence of ability in English and Mathematics at GCSE grade C, or equivalent. Please note, Level 2 Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication and certificates in Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy are not acceptable as GCSE equivalent
Ability to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English
An enhanced CRB and programme occupational health check
Successful completion of the university suitability documentation

At the start of the course students will also be required to register with the GSCC as a student social worker. Social Work students are currently able to access a GSCC bursary – for more details please access www.gscc.org.uk and http://www.socialworkcareers.co.uk/

Due to the work experience element of this course, it is unsuitable for overseas students who require visas to study in the UK. Given that students will be given placements in rural counties, access to a car or supported mobility arrangements for the duration of the placements is essential in order to meet the practice requirements for this course

Modules

Year One
Fitness to undertake Practice Learning
Induction & Workshop Programme
Law & Policy for SWSOWK 4001
Theories, Principles & Approaches in S Work Interventions SOWK 4002

Practice Learning 1 (5 days per week) SOWK 4005
Workshop Programme

Philosophy,Values & SW Practice SOWK 4003

Year Two
Professional SW Practice in Welfare Organisations SOWK 4004
Dissertation SOWK 4007
Workshop Programme
Practice Learning 2 (5 days per week) SOWK 4006
Dissertation SOWK 4007
Workshop Programme

Assessment

The course consists of mandatory involvement in nine modules over the two year programme including 100 days (7 hours per day) of assessed practice learning in each academic year.

You will also be required to participate in a workshop and conference programme for each year. The placements which are arranged by the university in conjunction with partner agencies are currently undertaken between May and November each year.

Students are required to complete a portfolio evidencing their achievement of the National Occupational Standards. Students must be prepared to undertake an allocated practice placement in Worcestershire and/or Herefordshire.

Every effort will be made to take account of the student’s learning needs and personal circumstances but the university reserves the right to make the final decision and to allocate placements on the basis of availability.

To date, the course has a good record in placing students, increasingly in the Private, Independent and Voluntary sectors in Year One and in a statutory sector setting in Year Two.

In Year Two you will complete a dissertation, which will enable you to focus upon a particular sphere within social work.

In order to register with the GSCC, students must also demonstrate competent IT skills through certification, a portfolio route or a course of study.

Academic department

Institute of Health & Society

“The University is a leading innovator in the fields of health and social care. Unique appointments such as the UK’s first professors of perinatal education and tissue viability demonstrate our commitment to research excellence.”
Louise Jones, Head of Institute

Employability

On successful completion of the course you will be able to seek employment as a qualified social worker in a variety of organisations in the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors.

The programme works closely with Worcestershire and Hereford Councils to enhance employment opportunities on completion of the degree.

To date graduates have demonstrated a good record in gaining employment.

Health & Society News

University's Health Leader Takes on Two Influential Roles - Tuesday, 22 May 2012

The Head of the University of Worcester’s Institute of Health and Society has been appointed to two important external roles.
Nursing Students Receive Vital Training in Working with People Living with Dementia - Wednesday, 25 April 2012

First year nursing students at the University of Worcester are to take part in a one-day conference about working with people living with dementia.
Student Nurses Walk Five Miles Between University and Hospital for Cancer Research UK - Monday, 23 April 2012

Seven student nurses from the University of Worcester under took a five mile charity walk after being inspired by their studies.