Social Work (Taught)

Ready to change lives for the better? If you’re a graduate from a relevant discipline and want to commit to a career in social work, this course is the perfect match for you.

Our MA Social Work degree, delivered with support from our partners in the Cheshire & Merseyside Social Work Teaching Partnership, combines perspectives from social care, health, education and other relevant disciplines.

Benefit from hands-on experience in work placements. Make the most of the knowledge and experience of academics, practitioners, employers, policy makers, service users and carers. Their backgrounds are in social care, social work, health education and other disciplines, so they have a lot to teach you.

Our social work course is approved by Social Work England (SWE). This means on successful completion of this course you’ll gain eligibility to apply for registration with SWE as a qualified social worker.

What you'll study

Our MA Social Work degree is underpinned by the national requirements for social work education and training as agreed by Social Work England and The College of Social Work. Studying with us, you’ll develop skills and expertise in:

• human growth, development, mental health and disability

• assessment, planning, intervention and review

• communication skills with children, adults and those with specific communication needs

• social work law and policy

• partnership-working and information-sharing across professional disciplines and agencies

• safeguarding

• working with conflict

In Year 1, you’ll examine the historical and contemporary functions of social work in society. You’ll consider the legal and social policy frameworks within social work practice. At the same time, we’ll help you sharpen your communication and interviewing skills. When you successfully complete an assessment exercise, you’ll complete a practice placement.

Year 2 is designed to develop your competency to practice in specialist social work contexts and to build on your research skills. You’ll have the opportunity to do another practice placement and complete a dissertation.

We expect you to take control of your studies with extra reading and research outside lectures and tutorials. There is plenty of extra support available for developing your academic skills too.

Throughout the course, you’ll also take part in skill-based days to support your professional development and prepare you for your future in this field.

Please visit our website for information on available modules.

The programme is assessed through a combination of essays, presentations, text analysis, group work, portfolios, carers’ assessments, video/audio diaries, role plays and examinations. Practice learning will also be assessed, using a range of techniques.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Social Work England