The MA in Advanced Social Work is a flexible program designed for qualified social workers to enhance their capabilities and meet professional standards. It offers a range of modules, including research, practice education, and safeguarding, allowing students to tailor their studies to their needs.

The MA in Advanced Social Work is a structured professional development pathway designed for qualified social workers.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program is designed flexibly allowing students to create a program that meets their needs by choosing from a range of modules to build up credits towards a PgCert, PgDip or MA.
• Course Schedule:
• Part-time:
3 years, 1 - 3 days a week depending on module choice.
• Start Dates:
• September 2024
• January 2025
• September 2025
• Modules:
• Required for MA Students:
• Final Research Project (Capstone):
60 credits. This module is required for students undertaking studies at masters level and is normally taken after achieving PG diploma level. The module will provide students with the experience of using principles of research and academic writing and thus demonstrate the intellectual skills learnt on the course. Students are expected to critically review research and to evaluate the evidence underpinning their own practice.
• Individual Work-based Learning Project: 30 credits.
The work-based learning approach assumes self-directed and autonomous learning. Learning outcomes and the method of working will be agreed jointly by the student, module leader / academic supervisor and workplace mentor. The assessment strategy is based upon the principle that work based activities can be used to generate critical reflection and learning outcomes which are consistent with M level academic attainment. The assessment submission can take a variety of forms such as reports, essays, discussion documents, and practice analysis.
• Mentoring and Coaching in Professional Practice: 30 credits.
It promotes critical evaluation of theoretical, professional and policy approaches to mentoring and coaching in professional practice in social work and health and social care. The knowledge, understanding, values and skills necessary for, mentoring and coaching professional practice in social work and health and social care and related settings are examined. Students are assisted to develop strategies and techniques to enhance their skills in professional self-development, developing services, coaching and mentoring professional colleagues in different practice settings.
• Practice Education Stage 1: 30 credits.
This module equips registered social workers to undertake the responsibilities of a Stage 1 Practice Educator (Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). Students who complete this module successfully will be able to supervise, teach and assess social work degree students up to, but not including, the final assessment prior to qualification. Students undertaking this module are required to undertake a practicum which entails acting as a Stage 1 practice educator to a degree in social work student on a first placement (70 days).
• Practice Education Stage 2: 30 credits.
This module equips registered social workers to undertake the responsibilities of a Stage 2 Practice Educator (Practice Educator Professional Standards (PEPS) of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). Students who complete this module successfully will be able to supervise, teach and assess social work degree students up to and including the last placement and to work with ASYE candidates.
• Safeguarding Across the Life Course: 30 credits.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Presentations
• Essays
• Critical reviews
• Online quizzes
• Posters
• Portfolio of practice
• Assessed practice
• Projects
• Feedback: We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Guided independent study (self-managed time)
• Timetabled sessions
• Faculty: Every member of the teaching staff has substantial practice experience in social work.
In addition, many are actively involved in social work research, presenting regularly at conferences and publishing in books and journals.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Team leader, workforce development manager, service manager, principal social worker, and other senior leadership and management roles.

Other:

• The course incorporates recent changes in social work education and regulation.
These include the Chief Social Workers' Knowledge and Skills Statements and revised Professional Standards for Social Workers set by Social Work England.
• You will have excellent opportunities to network with experienced practitioners in specialist roles.
• The skills lab is a purpose-built facility where social work students have the opportunity to learn and to practise key social work skills.
Social workers undertaking continuing professional development courses develop their assessment and intervention skills and other skills such as mentoring, teaching and providing reflective supervision.
• Practising social workers are involved in teaching, bringing theory to life with their front-line experiences.
• Social work research activity focuses around several key areas:
• Risk and child abuse
• Children's rights
• Learning processes and partnership approaches in professional education
• Management of child protection systems
• Safeguarding adults
• Mental capacity
• Effectiveness of community-based responses to crime.

Kingston University

Overview:

Kingston University London is a UK-based university recognized for its high-quality teaching and student experience. It features in the QS World University Rankings league table of the world's top universities.

Services Offered:

Kingston University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Guidance and resources for academic success.

Career Services:

Support in finding internships, jobs, and career development.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

Wellbeing Services:

Mental health support, counseling, and other resources.

International Student Support:

Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.

Library and Learning Resources:

Extensive library facilities and online learning resources.

Student Union:

A vibrant student union with clubs, societies, and social events.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Kingston University provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:

Active Student Union:

Opportunities to join clubs, societies, and participate in social events.

Vibrant Campus Life:

A lively campus environment with a range of activities and events.

Supportive Community:

A welcoming and supportive community of students and staff.

Location Advantages:

Located in Kingston upon Thames, a historic town with excellent transport links to London.

Key Reasons to Study There:

TEF Gold Rating:

Recognized for its high-quality teaching and outstanding student experience.

Future Skills Focus:

Emphasis on developing future-ready skills through embedded modules in all undergraduate courses.

Strong Industry Links:

Close connections with businesses and industries, providing opportunities for internships and career development.

Diverse and Inclusive Environment:

Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Study:

A wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines.

Postgraduate Study:

Master's and doctoral programs in various fields.

Research:

Active research programs with a focus on areas like healthcare, technology, and the arts.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships:

Opportunities to combine work and study through apprenticeships.