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    Social Work - MA

    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.

    Month of entry

    • September

    Mode of study

    • Full time

    Location

    Subject area

    • Ethics, Social work

    Fees for 2023/24 academic year

    • UK - Full time £8,000 per year.
      International - £21,900 per year.

    Duration of study

    • 2 years
    Apply now

    Please note: this course is no longer accepting applications from international students for September 2023 entry

    Why study Social Work at Keele University?

    Acquire the professional qualification to register as a qualified social worker with Social Work England
    Gain substantial practical experience during placements and skills development experiences
    Develop decision-making skills to enable you to undertake evidence based social work practice in partnership with people with lived experience and colleagues
    Research-informed teaching

    Course summary

    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:

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    Course structure

    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.

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    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 enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or overseas police check, and health checks are required 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.

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    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.

    Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2023 start date falls in the 2022/23 academic year. Please see the 2022/23 academic year fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2023.

    Planning your funding

    It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.

    Scholarships

    We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our bursaries and scholarships webpages for more information. 

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    Your career

    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

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    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.

     

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    Keele Postgraduate Association

    Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

    KPA interior

    Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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    Our expertise

    The Social Work course is part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. 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
    • Preparation for employment opportunities which embrace multi-disciplinary working

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