Advanced Social Work Practice MA/PGDip/PGCert

Program Overview

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Advanced Social Work Practice MA/PGDip/PGCert

Course Overview

Enhance your professional social work skills and develop your capacities in reflection, supervision, and professional leadership, so that you can practice at a specialist level and improve outcomes for users of services.

Why Study MA/PGDip/PGCert Advanced Social Work Practice at Middlesex University?

• Enhance your professional social work skills and improve outcomes for users of services.
• Please note this programme is only open to those who already hold a professional social work qualification and are wishing to pursue further study.

3 Great Reasons to Pick This Course

• Top 5 UK university (According to the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023)
• Silver Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 Award (For very high-quality student experience and student outcomes)
• Number 2 in London for Social Work (According to the Complete University Guide, 2022)

About Your Course

Upon completion of this programme, you will have knowledge and understanding of advanced application of theories, models, and methods of social work interventions and related research in social work practice as well as understanding the lives and experiences of people who need social work services.

Core Modules

• Developing Research Capability (60 Credits) - Compulsory
• Practice Education (Stage 1) (30 credits) - Optional
• Practice Education (Stage 2) (30 credits) - Optional
• Best Interest Assessor (30 Credits) - Optional
• Strengthening Mental Health Practice (15 Credits) - Optional
• Leadership in the Public and Community Services (15 Credits) - Optional
• Service Delivery and Quality Improvement (15 credits) - Optional
• Relationship Based Practice: Advanced Intervention Skills (30 Credits) - Optional
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (15 credits) - Optional
• Risk Assessment and Management in Mental Health (15 credits) - Optional
• Social Inclusion and Recovery in Mental Health (15 credits) - Optional

Teaching and Learning

• How is the MA/PGDip/PGCert Advanced Social Work Practice taught? You will learn through research, reading, and critical reflection, workshops, tutorials, and class discussions. Teaching will predominantly if not fully, be delivered online.
• How we'll teach you
• Coursework and assessments

Facilities and Support

• Our Sheppard Library provides a wide range of resources and support to help you to succeed in your studies.
• Student support
• Additional needs
• Wellness

Careers

• How can the MA/PGDip/PGCert Advanced Social Work Practice support your career?
• Having an advanced masters-level qualification in social work is advantageous if you would like to:
  • Progress your social work career to a more senior role
  • Work as a social worker overseas
  • Work in academia
  • Complete further study at PhD level.

Entry Requirements

• UK entry
• International entry
• How to apply

Qualifications

• All applicants must have a degree-level social work qualification.
• You must have a minimum of two years post-qualifying experience. Please note that certain modules require a specific number of years of post-qualifying experience
• You must currently be employed as a social worker
• You must have a satisfactory DBS check
• You must be employed in a permanent role as a social worker – employer reference required.

Qualifications

• We accept the equivalent of the below qualifications from a recognised overseas qualification:
• We normally require a second-class honours degree 2:2 or above or equivalent and/or a social work qualification at undergraduate (level 6) or postgraduate / masters (level 7)

Further Requirements

• You must have a minimum of two years post-qualifying experience. Please note that certain modules require a specific number of years of post-qualifying experience
• You must currently be employed as a social worker
• You must have a satisfactory DBS check.

Academic Credit for Previous Study or Experience

• If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit Recognition of Previous Learning page.

Visas and Immigration

• International students who require a Student route (formerly tier 4) visa to progress on a course at Middlesex University must apply for study on a full-time basis. However, this course is offered part-time so you are eligible to apply on a part-time basis.

English Language Requirements for International Students

• You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components). Find out more about our English language requirements.

Applications for Postgraduate Study

• Should be made directly to the university.

Interviews

• You won’t be required to attend an interview for this course.

Student Testimonials

• Sherine, Marsha, and Victor are Social Workers working in different organisations across London. They were part of a cohort of 20 Practice Educators who graduated in July 2022.
• “Studying, working full-time and mentoring a student during the Covid pandemic did have its challenges, but my journey has been enriching and so rewarding. It has been an absolute pleasure being part of this cohort and having the peer support and guidance from other students and the course lecturers. I am really excited about the future and my continuous journey as a Practice Educator." (Sherine)

Get Answers from Our Unibuddy Student Ambassadors

• View our range of student ambassadors

Related Courses

• Midwifery BSc Honours
• Veterinary Nursing BSc Honours
• Veterinary Nursing (Top-up) BSc Honours
• Social Work BA Honours

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Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Advanced Social Work Practice MA/PGDip/PGCert program offers a path for experienced social workers to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Through a focus on research, critical reflection, and advanced practice, this program prepares graduates to work at a specialist level, improving outcomes for service users.

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Objectives:

• Develop advanced social work skills and knowledge.

• Increase capacity for reflection, supervision, and professional leadership.

• Enable graduates to work at a specialist level.

• Improve outcomes for service users.

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Program Description:

The program is designed for professionals who already hold a social work qualification and are seeking further study. It utilizes expertise from experienced faculty and practitioners, with strong ties to local authorities, charities, and independent agencies, ensuring the program reflects the most current policies and practices in social work.

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Outcomes:

Graduates are equipped to pursue specialist practitioner roles and more advanced social work positions, such as those in management.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program focuses on advanced application of social work theories, models, and methods. It includes research skills training, critical thinking development, and deeper exploration of clinical practice and professional leadership.

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Program Structure:

The program is offered part-time, with a duration of 2-4 years.

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Course Schedule:

The course schedule balances campus study with time for work, life commitments, and independent study. Timetables are made available to students two weeks before the start of term.

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Individual Modules:

• Developing Research Capability (60 Credits): This core module focuses on developing research skills within a health and social care context.
• Practice Education (30 Credits): This optional module facilitates the transition of qualified social workers to becoming enablers of others, meeting Stage 1 practice education requirements.
• Other Optional Modules:
• Best Interest Assessor (30 Credits)
• Strengthening Mental Health Practice (15 Credits)
• Leadership in the Public and Community Services (15 Credits)
• Service Delivery and Quality Improvement (15 Credits)
• Relationship Based Practice: Advanced Intervention Skills (30 Credits)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (15 Credits)
• Risk Assessment and Management in Mental Health (15 Credits)
• Social Inclusion and Recovery in Mental Health (15 Credits)
• The program is currently only open to those who already hold a professional social work qualification.
• Teaching staff are described as supportive and committed to student success.
• Graduates are eligible to apply for specialist practitioner roles and more advanced social work positions.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program uses a combination of formative and summative assessments, including:

• Written assignments
• Group work
• Assessed role-plays
• Reflective writing based on practice experience

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Assessment Criteria:

The program uses specific criteria to assess student work, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes and program objectives.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Research
• Reading and critical reflection
• Workshops
• Tutorials

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Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced faculty and practitioners with expertise in social work research, practice, and education.

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Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes critical thinking, reflection, and the application of research to real-world social work practice.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers as:

• Specialist practitioners
• Social work managers
• Educators
• Researchers

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Career Opportunities:

The program prepares graduates for a range of opportunities in:

• Local authorities
• Charities
• Independent agencies
• Other social work settings

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Career Outcomes:

Graduates are equipped to make a significant impact on the lives of service users and advance the field of social work.

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Support Services:

The program offers a range of support services to students, including:

• Academic skills development
• Library and IT support
• Financial advice
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Disability support
• The program is offered part-time, allowing students to balance study with work and life commitments.
• The program is designed to meet the needs of experienced social workers seeking to advance their careers.
• The program emphasizes critical thinking, reflection, and the application of research to real-world social work practice.