I have felt so supported by the academic team and I honestly can't thank you enough.
Zoe, MA Social Work student
Duration:
2 yearsUCAS code:
L508Location(s):
Canterbury
Social work requires a skilled, knowledgeable and creative approach to support and protect some of the most vulnerable people in society at all stages of their lives.
Our MA in Social Work is offered through a two year full-time route. It is approved by the regulatory body for the profession, Social Work England (SWE). On successful completion of the programme students will be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker with the SWE.
The teaching of social work is long-established at the University with taught sessions taking place on the main campus, centrally located in the historic, bustling city of Canterbury. The MA Social Work course has three main integrated areas of learning - the study of academic subjects, development of skills, and practice placements.
The course will enable you to meet the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) of The British Association of Social Work and the Knowledge and Skills Statements for Social Work. It has been designed to ensure that by the end of the course you can practise effectively using a range of knowledge, a strong commitment to social justice, application of professional values and recognition of the diverse needs of members of society.
The course integrates theoretical and practice learning through modules, skills and practice placements. Development of professionalism, the ability to apply critical reflection and analysis and the flexibility to work in changing contexts and organisations are key areas of achievement required for successful completion of the course.
The course will enable you to gain 180 credits in a range of subject areas alongside practice learning and skills development. This includes the 60 credit research project, an extended module which is introduced early within the course and continues through the duration of the period of study.
Skills of assessment and intervention will be developed and taught throughout the course, in the classroom and through practice placements. You will undertake 30 skills days over the two years of the programme, 70 days practice learning in Year 1 and 100 days practice learning in Year 2. Placement experience includes work in at least two settings, working with a variety of service user needs, e.g., children, young people and families, people with mental health needs and vulnerable adults.
Students who do not complete this module may exit the programme with 120 credits, an award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work and eligibility to apply for registration with Social Work England (SWE).
Please note that the list of optional modules and their availability may be subject to change. We continually review and where appropriate, revise the range of modules on offer to reflect changes in the subject and ensure the best student experience. Modules will vary when studied in combination with another subject.
*Modules subject to validation
The Social Work team has developed successful relationships with regional practice-based educators and placement providers in order to offer you a wide range of placement opportunities. Qualified practice educators support and assess students on placement to promote their capability and confidence in developing and applying knowledge for effective practice. Teaching of skills is provided through dedicated skills workshops, delivered by academic staff, service users and experienced practitioners.
Classroom teaching takes place through whole group lectures, seminars and small group work and is delivered using resources such as PowerPoint, audio-visual material and case studies. Skills workshops enable students to practice developing skills of assessment, communication and intervention, reviewing their development through learning tools such as video recorded work.
Embedded throughout the programme is a focus on the experiences of those who use services so that students can gain valuable understanding of the impact of distressing circumstances and professional responses on the lives of service users and their carers. Service users contribute to teaching and assessment throughout the course and are part of the varied teaching and learning approaches. Core teaching is delivered by academics with substantial practice experience across a range of service user groups and who maintain their knowledge and expertise through research, writing for publication, consultancy and teaching experienced practitioners undertaking post-qualifying courses.
In addition to structured teaching sessions, further learning activities are recommended: post-graduate study requires students to be self-directed in their learning in order to deepen their knowledge and achieve a high level of critical thinking and reflection. There are a range of learning resources available including the substantial library facilities and web-based support.
The MA Social Work is personally and professionally challenging, but the role of a social worker is both rewarding and worthwhile. Teaching and learning are a partnership activity, and we are committed to your education and growth.
Isobel DrewProgramme Director
Learning is assessed in a variety of ways including written assignments, group and individual presentations and completion of practice portfolios. Prior to starting your first placement, you are required to demonstrate your readiness for practice through shadowing an experienced social worker.
On successful completion of the course you will be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England (SWE). Social work is a respected professional qualification and there are a range of opportunities in different fields. The course is a generic course enabling graduates to work in a full range of settings, for example in statutory social work for local authorities, private or voluntary agencies, in research or policy development. A high percentage of our graduates gain employment with local employers.
Continuing professional development is a requirement for all professionals and the opportunity to progress to supervisory and managerial roles is reflected in the Professional Capabilities Framework (British Association of Social Work).
Government loans of up to £11,222 are available for some postgraduate Master’s courses for students starting their course from 1 August 2020. Loans are subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.
To check whether your course is eligible, you can email the Student Fees Team or call 01227 923 948.
| UK | Overseas | |
| Full-time | £6,310 | £13,000 |
| Part-time | £3,155 | N/A |
We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Masters by Research courses for eligible students.
Find out if you're eligible for the discount.
Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the 2021/22 Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.
Duration:
2 yearsUCAS code:
L508Location(s):
Canterbury
