Program Overview

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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 for outstanding 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 covers topics including:

• Service users' autonomy
• Social justice and values
• Equality and diversity
• Safeguarding and protection
• Evidence-based relational practice

The School of Health and Social Care works closely with the Service User Reference Group (SURG), which is made up of service users, carers, and volunteers who share their experiences of health and social care. This collaboration ensures that the course is designed with the needs of patients and clients at its heart.

Placements and Transportation

All Social Work programs in the UK require the completion of two placements during the study period. The placements typically run over four days per week, with the fifth day spent at the university. The full-time nature of the course can limit the amount of paid work students can undertake during their studies.

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.

Expert Staff

The Centre for Social Work and Social Justice, where the course is based, is a vibrant learning community that addresses issues of national and international concern. The staff are committed to social justice and provide students with opportunities to participate in activities promoting social justice.

Specialist Facilities

The School of Health and Social Care is located on the Colchester Campus and offers excellent physical and online resources, including libraries, computer labs, datasets, archives, and other research materials.

Your Future

Successful completion of the course leads to eligibility to register with Social Work England as a Social Worker. The university also works with the Employability and Careers Centre to help students find work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 honors degree in any subject, or international equivalent
• Successful performance at interview
• A personal statement of at least 500 words
• One satisfactory reference (either academic or work-based)

International & EU Entry Requirements

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum component score of 6.5
• Alternatively, students can complete a pre-sessional English pathway

Structure

The course is composed of several components and modules, 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

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 the course.

What's Next

The university holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year, providing an opportunity to tour the campus and accommodation, and to find out more about studying at Essex.