Program Overview

MA Social Work

Introduction

Make a difference to people’s lives. Combine in-depth professional training and tuition with practice placements - and graduate ready to apply to register as a qualified Social Worker.

Course Options

• 2 years full-time
• Start dates: September
• Location: Chelmsford, ARU Peterborough

Key Facts

• Study options: 2 years full-time
• Start dates: September
• Location: Chelmsford
• Entry: UCAS code: L506
• Fees:
  • £9,800 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
  • £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)

Teaching and Assessment

Year 1

• We’ll introduce you to the theories that underpin the knowledge, values and skills required in professional social work practice.
• You’ll learn to evaluate and critique the theoretical knowledge that underpin professional social work practice.
• Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location.
• Assessments will mirror real world situations guiding you to be open to and welcoming of feedback and learning how to give feedback in a way that is supportive and helpful.

Core Modules

• Standards and Skills for Social Work Practice 1
• Applied Social Work Theories and Research Evaluation (online)
• Safeguarding in Context with Children and Families
• Safeguarding in Context with Adults
• Standards and Skills for Social Work Practice 2
• Into ARU

Year 2

• In your second year as a Social Work postgraduate student at ARU you’ll undertake a 100-day practice placement alongside three core study modules.
• You’ll build on the knowledge and skills gained in Year 1 to critically examine key aspects of professional decision-making in social work, including risk and risk management.
• Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location.
• Assessments will mirror real world situations guiding you to be open to and welcoming of feedback and learning how to give feedback in a way that is supportive and helpful.

Core Modules

• Contemporary and Sustainable Social Work
• Understanding Professional Practice (blended learning)
• Masters Dissertation - Social Work
• Standards and Skills for Social Work Practice 3

Entry Requirements

• A first degree, with honours, at a minimum final classification of Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent.
• 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English.
• If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 7.0 (Academic level with a minimum of 7 in each component) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
• An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will also be required.
• A satisfactory Occupational Health clearance will also be required.
• To receive an offer of a place on this course you must be successful at interview.

Fees and Paying for University

Tuition Fees for UK Students (2025/26)

• £9,800 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
• ARU graduates may be eligible for an Alumni Scholarship and get a 20% fee discount.

Tuition Fees for International Students (2025/26)

• £17,500 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
• You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments.
• We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter.

Facilities and Accreditation

• Our MA Social Work degree course is validated by Social Work England, so when you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply to register as a Social Worker.
• We know that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. As a social work student at ARU you’ll benefit from:
  • 70 days on placement
  • the chance to learn from registered social workers
  • covering both adults and children
  • experience of working in different settings
  • experience of working directly with service users.

Lecturers

• Vanessa Ferguson, Associate Professor
• Gavin Millar, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader
• Roxana Anghel, Senior Research Fellow
• Sally Pritchard, Senior Lecturer
• Jas Sangha, Associate Professor and Race Equality Lead
• Kofi Amankwah Konadu, Lecturer
• Joanna Fox, Associate Professor (Social Work)
• Linda Homan, Senior Lecturer
• Sarah Collins, Senior Lecturer Practitioner in Social Work

Careers

• On completion of this Masters degree you’ll be eligible to register with Social Work England as a qualified social worker.
• You’ll be equipped to build a career in various branches of professional social work, including children’s or adult services, mental health services, youth offending, residential social care and providing advocacy and support for vulnerable groups.
• You’ll have developed a wide range of academic, practical and reflective skills that will allow you to move into your chosen career and embark on your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
• Social workers are in demand in the statutory, private, voluntary and independent sectors.
• Although focussed on the education of future social work professionals, the degrees equip graduates with a range of transferable knowledge and skills.
• Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You could choose to continue your academic career with a PhD programme at ARU. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
• While you’re studying here and after you graduate, you can access support through our dedicated Employability Service.