Course contact details
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Email:futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:0131 650 1000
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh
EH8 9YL
Master of Social Work (MSW) [Postgraduate Entry]
- Master of Social Work
- 2 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Central area campus
Course summary
This programme offers you a professional qualification recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and The Health and Care Professions Council, and eligibility for registration as a social worker. You’ll gain a fundamental understanding of the theory and practice that underpins all work in the field, splitting your time between theoretical learning on campus and practical work in various learning environments. The programme is approved by the Scottish Social Services Council, complies with the Scottish Requirements for Social Work Training and enables you to meet the Standards in Social Work Education and the Key Capabilities in Child Care and Protection. It is also recognised as a professional qualification in social work across the world, including the United States and Canada.
The detailed information on the University of Edinburgh course page is for 2026 entry. Information for 2027 entry will be published in early October.
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L508
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelNot accepted
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HigherNot accepted
Access to HE DiplomaNot accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)Not accepted
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, is preferred. Applicants holding or predicted less than a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) with additional qualifications and/or substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
You must be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of social work and a sound motivation to train as a social worker through a period of paid or voluntary work in a social care/social work settings or any settings that allowed you to work with people in need. You will normally have at least six months of work experience at the time of applying.
We may also consider your application if you have other voluntary or work experience and can demonstrate an ability to transfer your learning and experience, and to manage complex relationships in personal or work contexts. You must be able to demonstrate this in your personal statement. http://www.ed.ac.uk/pg/314
Additional entry requirements
- Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) / Disclosure Scotland Check
- Other
- You must be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of social work and a sound motivation to train as a social worker through a period of paid or voluntary work in a social care/social work settings or any settings that allowed you to work with people in need. You will normally have at least six months of work experience at the time of applying. We may also consider your application if you have other voluntary or work experience and can demonstrate an ability to transfer your learning and experience, and to manage complex relationships in personal or work contexts. You must be able to demonstrate this in your personal statement.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 7 | total 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | total 100 with at least 23 in each component (before 21 Jan 2026) total 5.0 with at least 4.5 in each component (from 21 Jan 2026). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | total 185 with at least 176 in each component | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | total 185 with at least 176 in each component |
You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals. You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following: an English language test; a degree that was taught and assessed in English (conditions apply); certain professional qualifications. We accept any of the English language tests, at the specified grade or higher, as detailed above. We also accept other English language tests and qualifications from around the world. See our website for all the qualifications and tests we accept, and their expiry dates (how old your English language requirements can be).https://study.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/applying/entry-requirements/english-language
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for The University of Edinburgh - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £14390 | |
| EU & International | £33600 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees. Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
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