Social Work MA

Overview

Social work is a challenging and rewarding career. You will work alongside some of the most vulnerable people in society, working towards positive change with individuals, families and groups. The work is incredibly varied with possibilities to specialise, for example in work with children or young people, adults with disabilities or mental health needs. Social workers often spend their time with people – be it in hospitals, people's homes, schools or in the community. A patient, non-judgemental approach is needed, with the ability to communicate effectively with a host of different people. The Social Work MA at LSBU is a well-established course, running for over 30 years. Our graduates are eligible to apply to register as Social Workers with Social Work England, and have gone on to work in an exciting range of settings, from local authorities to setting up their own businesses. This course blends an academic and professional focus with four strands underpinning our approach; We link practice-based learning and university learning We emphasise relationship based practices and co-production We offer research informed teaching We support you as autonomous and collaborative learners On this course you will undertake two practice placements - 70 days in the first year and 100 days in the second year. Potential placements are varied, and are chosen from our diverse range of partner agencies in the voluntary and statutory sectors. Placements will be in different settings, service user groups, ages or methods. Placements may occasionally operate outside of normal working hours. It is also possible to study the MA Social Work on an employment based route (EBR) over three years. Candidates need to be sponsored and supported by their employing agency to undertake this, including provision by employers of suitable practice placements. It is taught alongside the existing MA Social Work and the structure is the same, but students complete the dissertation in their third year.

Employability

There are a diverse range of employment opportunities for qualified social workers, including local authorities, NHS trusts, voluntary sector organisations and innovative social enterprises. Salaries vary according to region, and you are likely to earn more working in London. Many of our graduates successfully seek positions in ASYE schemes (Assessed and Supported Year in Practice).

Professional links

This course has been developed in partnership with local authority and voluntary sector partners, with input from a wide range of service users and carers. We work in partnership with a number of London local authorities, and other organisations on both the public and private sector, who contribute to planning the programme, to learning and teaching, and to the provision of practice learning opportunities. The course is approved by Social Work England.