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Social Work MA - MA (incorporating the professional qualification in Social Work)
- Mode of study
- Full time
- Entry months
- September
- Duration of Study
- 2 years
- Subject Area
- Ethics, Social work
- FEES (2022/23 academic year)
- UK - £7,600
- International - £20,800
Course Overview
The MA degree in Social Work provides the training necessary for you to apply to register as a social worker in England. You will develop knowledge and experience through both university and practice settings to prepare you for a rewarding and challenging career. You will develop both the understanding, skills and competence to make a difference in people’s lives.
Applications for this course can be made on the UCAS website using the course code L501.
About the course
The course focuses on developing your skills to engage with a diverse range of people, both adults and children, to address complex life challenges and enhance wellbeing. This will equip you to work in an exciting profession, promoting the rights and wellbeing of people, families and communities, through establishing and maintaining the trust and confidence of those people while acting with professional integrity and promoting ethical practice.
The social work programme meets current Social Work England Qualifying Education and Standards as well as Professional Standards and BASW. The programme and is led by research-active academic staff with contributions from social work practitioners, service users and carers as well as other professionals.
By the end of the programme, successful graduates will be eligible can apply to register as social workers with Social Work England.
Graduates from the MA programmes have consistently demonstrated high rates of progression into relevant employment.
We also offer a Professional Doctorate in Social Work for already registered social work practitioners. More information is available at the following links:
Course structure
How the course is taught
This professional qualifying programme continues for two full calendar years (24 months) full-time, starting in September. Teaching methods include seminars, lectures, workshops and skills workshops employing a range of teaching and learning methods. All parts of the course are compulsory. The programme incorporates the following elements:
180 Masters Level credits, of which 60 credits are awarded based on a dissertation and 120 credits through taught modules – these are to be passed at Masters Level, with a pass mark of 50%, for the award of MA;
Assessment in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) for Social Work comprises practice learning of 170 days and practice associated assignments all at Masters level;
In Year one of the course you must demonstrate your suitability for professional training in order to progress to the next stage of the award. This year will also introduce you to the general principles of social work. Year two aims to develop analytical, research and evaluation skills integrated with your developing practice, knowledge, skills and values. Each year includes practice learning in a social work setting.
Taught Modules:
We expect to offer the same modules as found below. If the modules change we will inform you during the admissions process.
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Modules Year 1 |
YEAR ONE Year one introduces you to the general principles of social work, and by building on social science knowledge, understanding and skills aim to enable students to further develop systematic knowledge, critical awareness, new insights and skills in relation to:
In your first year, you must demonstrate readiness for practice before being able to undertake your first assessed practice learning opportunity of 70 days and 30 skill days. The taught modules are: Power and discrimination |
|---|---|
| Modules Year | YEAR TWO
Year two provides opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate your research capabilities. Analytical, research and evaluation skills will be developed in relation to:
You will develop critical knowledge of your knowledge of research methodologies, and where appropriate, propose new hypotheses. In order to demonstrate an understanding of techniques applicable to your own advanced scholarship, you will be required to complete a dissertation of 15,000 words. You will undertake 100 days of assessed practice placement in a social work setting. Taught Modules include: Social work theory and methods 2
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| Dissertation | Dissertation
15,000-word dissertation (60 Level 4 credits) |
Entry Requirements
Academic entry requirements
The following entry criteria must be met:
Normally a 2.1 classification in an undergraduate Honours degree. A lower degree classification may be considered, on a case by case basis, depending on other postgraduate qualifications or experience.
English Language and Maths GCSE Grade C or above (or Functional Skills Level 2)
IELTS - An overall score of 7 is required with no less than 6.5 in each subtest taken in one sitting.
A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (Enhanced and Barred Lists) check
A satisfactory health check is undertaken through a student self-declaration and an Occupational Health referral, if appropriate, to meet the Social Work England requirements for registration.
You would be expected to have some general knowledge of social services and broad social problems before you start your course. Although it is not a requirement for entry, relevant experience is recommended. You should possess a driver’s licence by the time of your first placement, to support your placement experience.
Funding
Fees and funding
Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.
We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.
For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.
LIVING COSTS
Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost-effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FUNDING
We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our bursaries and scholarships webpages for more information.
Careers
Careers directly related to this degree include:
- Social worker
- Family support worker
Careers where your degree would be useful include:
- Careers adviser
- Community development worker
- Counsellor
- Equality, diversity and inclusion officer
- Youth worker
School key attributes
The School of Primary, Community and Social Care exemplifies Keele’s innovative approach to research and education, connecting health and social care and breaking down traditional boundaries.
When studying social work at Keele, you can expect the following:
- Research-informed teaching
- Limited class size
- Personal tutoring system
- International learning opportunities
- Interdisciplinary teaching and professional development
- The Social Work course is part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences which prepares students for employment where they will be working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
Useful resources
On the West Midlands Teaching Partnership website, you can find many helpful, downloadable resources.
Resources include social work tools and useful websites that can be used both in practice and research.
Keele University is a member of The West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership to strengthen the quality of education and training for social work students and practitioners across the West Midlands. The partnership includes local authorities, children's trusts, NHS trusts and universities. The partnership is led by principal social workers, workforce development leads and senior academics across children's and adult services.
