Course contact details
Main Contact
Email:Admissions.Enquiries@RoyalHolloway.ac.uk
Phone:01784 414944
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
TW20 0EX
Social Work (Postgraduate Entry) Central London Campus (Taught)
- Master of Science
- 2 Years
- Full-Time
- 20 September 2027
- Postgraduate
- Central London Campus
Course summary
TSocial Work (MSc)
We will accept applications via the UCAS Undergraduate Portal with course code L508 or via "Apply Now" above to our direct portal.
Society needs skilled and empathetic social workers – and they’re made at Royal Holloway. Take this professional course to register with Social Work England and start making a difference.
With soaring inequality and rising poverty there are diverse contexts where people face extreme hardships. With two practice placements, you’ll learn what it takes to advocate for people’s basic rights and needs.
To design course content, we consult an advisory group of people with lived experience. Alongside our teaching team of academics and qualified professionals, they’ll contribute in the classroom too.
Surrounded by social work experts
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Benefit from excellent partnerships with local authorities, NHS Trusts, and voluntary sector services across London and beyond
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In the classroom, engage in and develop applied research skills and knowledge with the support of experienced social work researchers
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Be taught by qualified social workers with extensive experience, including NHS team managers and specialist child and family social workers
Insight into current issues
Royal Holloway graduates work in local authorities, voluntary and third sector organisations nationally and internationally. Many students are employed through their second placement.
You’ll stand out with your knowledge of theory, social justice, ethics and applied research-informed skills. Hearing about our latest research will also give you insight into crucial areas like equalities, collaborative practice and sustainability in social care.
We sometimes make changes to our courses to improve your experience. If this happens, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Modules
Course Modules
Core Modules
Year 1
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Readiness for Direct Practice
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Knowledge and Skills for Practice 1
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Life Course Development and Observational Learning
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Law and Policy for Social Work
Year 2
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Critical Social Work
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Knowledge and Skills for Practice 2
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Social Work Research and Dissertation
All modules are core
https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/postgraduate/social-work/social-work/
Assessment method
Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including essays, case studies, examinations, presentations and a dissertation.
30 days on social work skills are integrated across the two-year programme at which attendance is mandatory.
Students are required to successfully complete one 70-day and one 100-day practice-learning placement. Practice learning is assessed by experienced practice educators and the production of a portfolio on completion of placement.
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:
- R72
- Campus name:
- Central London Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
UCAS TariffNot accepted
UK 2:1 (Honours) or equivalent and Grade C in GCSE English and Mathematics or equivalent (Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English are regarded as an acceptable equivalent).
6 months full time or 12 months part-time relevant experience is required.
Applicants with 2:2 (Honours) degree classification and extensive relevant experience will be considered.
To complete your application you will need to submit:
A copy of your degree certificate if you have completed your degree
A copy of your Mathematics and English results at Key Skills level 2 or GCSE level
A copy of your CV to include the duration and responsibilities of any voluntary work, part-time work and full-time work you have completed <https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/postgraduate/social-work/social-work/>
Additional entry requirements
- Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) / Disclosure Scotland Check
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
At Royal Holloway, we know every student approaches university with different experiences and backgrounds. We look at each application individually, and different factors can affect the exact offer a student receives. For instance, our contextual offer scheme means students from disadvantaged socio-economic background can receive a different offer. For full details please see our website.
Learn more on the Royal Holloway, University of London website
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland | £10100 | |
| EU & International | £21500 |
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
Other essential costs***: You will need to travel to and from placements and may wish to apply for an NHS bursary to help cover transport costs.
These tuition fees apply to students starting their course on a full-time basis in the academic year 2026/27. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually.
** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
The fee information above is for indicative purposes only.
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