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Welcome to

School of Public Policy and Professional Practice

 

Social Work

MA Social Work

This is a two year Masters programme designed to comply with University requirements, QAA guidelines at masters level, and with the requirements of the GSCC and Department of Health.  In addition, all students are required to meet professional requirements as stated in the NOS (this applies to all undergraduate and post-graduate courses in social work).   For the Masters award, assessment, other than practice, and practice associated assignments, will be at advanced level  (180 credits) in line with QAA guidance; this includes essays and case studies, examinations, and the submission of a substantial dissertation (60 credits) in the second year of the course. A distinctive feature of the Masters Degree in Social Work is that students will be expected to assume considerable responsibility for their own learning.

Year One introduces students to the general principles of social work, and by building on social science knowledge and understanding, and skills acquired at undergraduate level, aims to enable students to further develop systematic knowledge, critical awareness, new insights and skills in relation to: the social context of social work; social work values and ethics; the legal system; the life course; social work with adults; social work with children and families; interpersonal communication and professional practice. Students will undertake 100 days assessed practice placement in a social work setting.

Year Two provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate ‘research awareness’.   Analytical, research and evaluation skills will be developed in relation to: reflective practice; social work research; social work with adults; social work with children and families; and social work practice.   Students will develop knowledge of methodologies, be able to critique those methodologies and where appropriate, propose new hypotheses.   In order to demonstrate understanding of techniques applicable to their own advanced scholarship, students are required to complete a dissertation of 15,000 words. Students will undertake 100 days assessed practice placement in a social work setting.  

Dr Denise Wolstenholme

Programme Director of Postgraduate Studies