Social Work MA

Overview

The MA in Social Work gives students with a first degree a professional social work qualification at Master's level.

The course will enable you to be a confident, competent, qualified social work practitioner. We offer a well established course with a national reputation for producing high-calibre workers. Our course is designed, managed and delivered by a Programme Management Board that includes practice placement agencies, students, lecturers and practitioners. Stakeholder involvement ensures that our course maintains a dynamic, outward-looking approach towards social work education with a clear focus on the needs of service users.

The course is built upon the following standards and requirements for social work training:

• the HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency for social care workers)
• the DOH (Department of Health) Requirements for social work training
• the College of Social Work Professional Capabilities Framework
• the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) benchmark statements for social policy administration and social work

Learning and assessment

Our programme is built around The College of Social Work’s requirements for practice placements, coupled with a clear system of curriculum development as you progress through the stages of the programme.

Our proven skills in teaching rest upon a commitment to clear learning outcomes, a structured system of progression, imaginative assessments and the provision of safe, stimulating learning environments. Our lecturers have a variety of specialist practice, academic and research skills as well as a commitment to providing high quality teaching and learning.

All assessments test skills in critical analysis and reflective practice in the integration of the practice and theory of social work. Prior to starting each placement you will be assessed on your ‘fitness to practice’ and suitability for social work training, and you will be expected to pass your placement at the required level.

Other forms of assessment include:

• essays
• individual and group presentations and exercises
• video and taped practice submissions
• participation in ‘virtual learning’ exercises
• formal examinations.