MSc Applied Social Work Practice

University of Salford

This master's course in Applied Social Work Practice is designed to enhance your social work skills through practical, critical, and intellectual training.

It aims to improve outcomes for service users and communities by integrating skills, knowledge, and research into social work practice. Modules are available as standalone units for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or can be combined to achieve a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), or Master’s degree (MSc).

This course is suitable for social workers at various career stages, from those starting out to those seeking advanced skills in supervision and management.

You will:

• Gain flexible access to modules that develop critical skills needed for contemporary social work practice.
• Enhance your career and professional credibility with the option to pursue a PgCert, PgDip, or MSc.
• Benefit from modules developed in collaboration with regional stakeholders.

This is for you if...

• You need to maintain your CPD for professional registration with Social Work England.
• You are compassionate and empathetic.
• You are dedicated to expanding your knowledge and skills.

All about the course

This course focuses on applying practical, critical, and intellectual skills in social work to improve service users' lives and community outcomes. Modules are tailored for different career stages, from entry-level support to advanced supervision and management.

Course structure:

• MSc: Three years part-time
• PgDip: Two years part-time
• PgCert: One year part-time

You can also choose individual 30-credit modules as CPD courses.

Modules are designed to build on your practice experience, enhancing your skills in evaluating research and applying knowledge to complex situations involving multi-agency work and safeguarding issues.

What will I be doing?

Teaching

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures, seminars, and tutorials: Structured teaching with a focus on critical analysis and reflection.
• Independent learning: Encouraged to engage with your own practical experiences.

Teaching for each module typically occurs one day per week over five to six weeks.

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Written essays
• Reflective reports
• Analysis of supervision

What about after university?

• Completing CPD is crucial for maintaining professional registration.
• CPD modules demonstrate a commitment to the profession and can lead to improved career prospects and promotion.
• Modules align with the College of Social Work’s Professional Capabilities Framework at various levels.
• Successful completion can lead to roles at a strategic level and support further professional pathways.
• You may also pursue further study, including our Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care, Advanced Practitioner, or Social Work.

Career links

The University of Salford’s social work department has extensive links with agencies across Greater Manchester, including local authorities, not-for-profit organisations, and the voluntary sector. Collaboration with over 300 agencies ensures the course is relevant to workforce development needs.