| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-04-24 | 2023-02-10 |
| 2023-09-19 | 2023-01-27 |
| 2024-01-03 | 2023-11-25 |
Program Overview
Course overview
Social workers work closely with other organisations to support and protect children and adults from harm, and to effect personal and social change. Studying Social Work at the University of Chester will offer you an opportunity to develop the skills needed to perform as a social work practitioner in today’s challenging and unpredictable landscape.
Applications for the January 2024 intake will open at 9am on Monday 3rd April 2023.
Why study this course with us?
Students are taught in small groups in supportive and encouraging environments, and service users and carers are involved throughout the course.
Social Work at Warrington Campus has excellent links with Local Authorities and with many private, voluntary and independent agencies, who provide opportunities for supportive learning in practice placements.
Teaching staff are qualified and registered social workers, and are able to use their research and practice experience to enhance teaching sessions.
We have an excellent relationship with local employers who frequently comment on how impressed they are with our Social Work students. A high percentage of Social Work students from the University of Chester gain employment with local authorities upon completion of the course and registration with HCPC.
Distinguished scholar Dr Gurnam Singh is a Visiting Professor of Social Work here at the University of Chester. Find out more about Dr Singh’s work.
"Student feedback highlights the dedication and commitment of the teaching team. Students describe staff as friendly and approachable. The course benefits from partnerships lecturers have developed, including with people who use social work services, community organisations and local authority social workers. Staff are proactive, undertake research and ensure materials are current. The faculty is working to decolonise curriculums."
— Bridget Caffrey, Programme Leader
Program Outline
Teaching methods
Teaching is delivered through a variety of methods, such as lectures, group work, role play and blended learning.
Assessment
We employ a range of assessment methods, including essays, presentations, portfolios and role plays. You will also benefit from 30 skills days and 170 days of full-time practice placement over the two years.
Work based learning
All students complete two work placements: 70 days (Year 1) and 100 days (Year 2). The University organises these in partnership with local authorities and other agencies. We have a dedicated Practice Learning team who oversee and support placements.
Job prospects
Social work is a diverse profession offering many employment opportunities. The majority of our MA graduates obtain posts on completion as local authority social workers. However, some work in the PVI sector and some go on to study at doctorate level.
We embed employability skills in our programme; teaching practice skills including assessment and risk management, alongside self-care/ wellbeing. The 170 days on placement develop employment skills and offer students direct contact with potential employers.
Careers service
The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.
Careers and Employability - Student Services aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.
We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.
Students and graduates of the University of Chester can use our services free of charge for up to two years after graduating.
The Big Move
From 2022 we will be increasing the amount of Higher Education in Warrington substantially, with a more visible and accessible town centre presence. Find out more.