Master of Social Work (MSW)

Why choose this course?

We are looking for motivated and talented graduates with the potential to become registered social workers. In this two-year programme, you will be taught by social work academics who have teaching, research and practice expertise spanning the range of specialist social work fields. The depth and breadth of academic expertise and experience is a major strength of the programme. This prepares students to become social workers in their chosen areas of specialist social work practice, equipped with a broad range of theory and evidence. The programme is underpinned by a psycho-social and life-course approach, encouraging critical thinking and anti-discriminatory practice in response to the needs of people and communities. The Masters of Social Work is accredited by Social Work England. On successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible to register as a social worker with Social Work England, the professional regulator. We provide social work education in partnership with a diverse range of local authorities and voluntary sector organisations. A key arrangement with social work employers involves a partnership called 'Developing Together'. This provides strong and mutually supportive relationships between the university and social work employers. Experienced social workers and people with lived experience of social care contribute to your learning and development over the duration of the programme. We have a state of the art innovative skills lab to help you to learn and develop practice skills, preparing you for field learning in two practice placements. The Masters of Social Work at Kingston has an international perspective, attracting students from countries outside of the UK. We have a track record of educating students from the United States, who have gone on to work as licensed social workers in the US.

What you will study

You will gain the core knowledge, skills and values required for social work practice. On this programme you will learn about effective approaches to work with children and their families and adults at risk (including older adults, and mental health social work practice). You will study legal, policy and ethical frameworks for social work practice; human development; social work methods of assessment and intervention. A specialist practice interest module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an in depth study in a chosen area of special interest and can be taken in a national or international setting.

Teaching and assessment

You will become equipped with the core knowledge, skills and values required for social work practice. On this programme you will learn about effective approaches to work with children and their families and adults at risk (including older adults, and mental health social work practice). You will study legal, policy and ethical frameworks for social work practice; human development; social work methods of assessment and intervention.

After you graduate

On completing the course you will be eligible to apply to the Social Work England to register as a social worker. Employment opportunities are available in: Children's services and family support, Community care and adult services, Adult/youth criminal justice services, Community, day, residential and health settings, Mental health, disability, learning disabilities, older adults, addictions, and forensic services, Portable social work qualification that you can use to work overseas. Post-qualifying programmes available