Program Overview

MA Social Work

The MA Social Work course at the University of Essex is a postgraduate program that provides students with the opportunity to qualify as a social worker while engaging with debates around human rights and social justice in the context of social work practice.

Overview

This course is unique to the UK and builds on the success of the university's existing Social Work programs and its global reputation in human rights research. The program is designed to nurture students from trainee social workers to confident professional practitioners, exploring the fundamental principles of human rights and equality, and examining how these doctrines underpin social work practice.

Course Structure

The course consists of several components, including:

• Foundations of Social Work Theory and Practice
• Law, Policy and Ethics
• Life Span Development
• Practice Placement 1
• Using Research and Evidence in Social Work Practice
• Critical Issues in Contemporary Social Work
• Practice Skills and Placement 2
• Global Social Work

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or international equivalent
• Successful performance at interview
• A personal statement, at least 500 words in length
• One satisfactory reference (either an academic reference or a work-based reference)
• A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check (including child and adult barred list check) and a Occupational Health Check

International & EU Entry Requirements

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. International students should contact the university for more information on the qualifications they accept.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum component score of 6.5
• Alternatively, students can complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables them to start their course without retaking IELTS

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• ｣11,025 per year

International Fee

• ｣23,875 per year
• Fees will increase for each academic year of study
• There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of this course

Professional Accreditation

The course is approved by Social Work England (SWE) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with SWE as a social worker in England.

Teaching

In the first year, Social Work students are campus-based 2 days per week in the Autumn term. In the Spring and Summer terms, first-year Social Work students are campus-based 1 day per week and on placement 3 days per week. In the second year, Social Work students are on placement 4 days per week, with independent study or campus-based learning for the remaining day per week.

What's Next

After completing the course, students will be eligible to register with Social Work England as a Social Worker. The university also provides support and resources to help students find further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.