Overview
Advance your career and make a meaningful impact on society with our MA Social Work. This two-year, full-time course at equips you with the knowledge, skills, and professional experience needed to support and protect vulnerable individuals at all stages of life. Fully accredited by Social Work England (SWE), the course integrates academic study, hands-on skills training, and extensive practice placements, ensuring you develop the expertise required for effective and ethical social work practice.
Through engaging lectures, seminars, and practical training, you will learn from academic tutors, experienced practitioners, and individuals with lived experience of social services. Our state-of-the-art facilities, including the Hydra simulated skills suite and courtroom, provide invaluable opportunities to refine your abilities in case analysis, report writing, and court proceedings.
Alongside 30 skills development days, you will undertake two significant practice placements—70 days in the first year and 100 days in the second—working in diverse settings to gain hands-on experience with children, families, vulnerable adults, and individuals with mental health needs.
At the heart of this course is a commitment to social justice and inclusion. You will explore the impact of structural inequalities, social policies, and intersecting factors that affect individuals’ wellbeing. Through research and reflective practice, you will challenge preconceptions in a supportive environment, developing the listening and advocacy skills essential for empowering those in need.
Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England (SWE), opening the door to a fulfilling and impactful career. Join us and take the next step in shaping a fairer, more inclusive society.
Accredited by Social Work England
Social Work England logo
I have felt so supported by the academic team and I honestly can't thank you enough.Zoe, MA Social Work student
Entry requirements
- An honours degree at 2.1 or above in a relevant subject discipline.
- An honours degree at 2.1 or above in an unrelated subject and demonstration of significant social work related experience at an appropriate level, gained either in a paid or voluntary capacity, or experience as a service user/carer.
- If your degree classification is 2:2, this will not preclude consideration of your application as a range of factors are taken into account for admission to the programme.
For more information on the IELTS (International English language Testing System) requirements for this course, please click here to visit our dedicated IELTS web page.
2:1
Honours Degree
Module information
As well as the core modules, you may also have the opportunity to study a number of option modules in your second and third year. Option modules will not be pre-selected for you. We provide examples of option modules. The availability of specific option modules may vary from year to year. The offer of an option will be subject to a minimum number of students choosing the module to ensure the appropriate student experience. The offer of option modules may also be affected by staff availability. It means we cannot guarantee the availability of a particular optional module. However, we will ensure you have a choice of option modules.
Core/optional modules
*Modules subject to approval
How you’ll learn
The course will enable you to meet the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) of The British Association of Social Work and the Knowledge and Skills Statements for Social Work. It has been designed to ensure that by the end of the course you can practise effectively using a range of knowledge, a strong commitment to social justice, application of professional values and recognition of the diverse needs of members of society.
The course integrates theoretical and practice learning through modules, skills and practice placements. Development of professionalism, the ability to apply critical reflection and analysis and the flexibility to work in changing contexts and organisations are key areas of achievement required for successful completion of the course.
The course will enable you to gain 180 credits in a range of subject areas alongside practice learning and skills development. This includes the 60 credit research project, an extended module which is introduced early within the course and continues through the duration of the period of study.
Skills of assessment and intervention will be developed and taught throughout the course, in the classroom and through practice placements. You will undertake 30 skills days over the two years of the programme, 70 days practice learning in Year 1 and 100 days practice learning in Year 2. Placement experience includes work in at least two settings, working with a variety of service user needs, e.g., children, young people and families, people with mental health needs and vulnerable adults.
Students who do not complete this module may exit the programme with 120 credits, an award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work and eligibility to apply for registration with Social Work England (SWE).
The MA Social Work leads to academic and professional development, gained through knowledge building and skills in practice placements. The role of a social worker is both challenging and rewarding. Teaching and learning are a partnership activity on the course, and we are committed to support your education and growth throughout your student journeyCharles Fonchingong Che Course Director
How you’ll be assessed
Learning is assessed in a variety of ways including written assignments, group, and individual presentations and completion of practice portfolios. Prior to starting your first placement, you are required to demonstrate your readiness for practice through shadowing an experienced social worker.
Your future career
On successful completion of the course you will be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England (SWE). Social work is a respected professional qualification and there are a range of opportunities in different fields. The course is a generic course enabling graduates to work in a full range of settings, for example in statutory social work for local authorities, private or voluntary agencies, in research or policy development. A high percentage of our graduates gain employment with local employers.
You will leave us equipped with core specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to deal with issues in areas including child protection/safeguarding, fostering and adoption, adult safeguarding, mental health, substance use, disability, among others.
Continuing professional development is a requirement for all professionals and the opportunity to progress to supervisory and managerial roles is reflected in the Professional Capabilities Framework (British Association of Social Work).
Fees
Government loans are available for some postgraduate Master’s courses. Loans are subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.
The rules around course eligibility mean that in some cases it may depend on how you are studying (full-time or part-time) as to whether you can apply for a postgraduate loan. To check whether your course is eligible, you can email the Student Fees Team or call 01227 923 456.
Tuition fees for this course
| UK | Overseas | |
| Full-time | £8,930 | £15,500 |
| Part-time | £4,465 | £7,750 |
20% Alumni Discount
We offer alumni discounts on CCCU Postgraduate Taught, PGCE Primary and Secondary, and Masters by Research courses for eligible students.
Find out if you're eligible for the discount.
Important Information on Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.
There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.
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Duration:
2 yearsUCAS code:
L508Location(s):
CanterburyPostgraduate student links
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