Program Overview

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Advanced Social Work Children, Young People & Families (PgCert)

Overview

The aim of the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Social Work with Children, Young People and Families is to enable child and family social work practitioners working in a range of social care settings in both the statutory and voluntary sectors, to develop advanced knowledge and skills to enhance their practice within their current work setting.

Course Content

Course Structure

All modules will be taught face to face, unless Health and Safety conditions preclude it. All modules will be worth 20 CAT points with 3 modules running across the academic year. Module 1 will run 1 day per week over 6 weeks in the autumn. Module 2 will be 2-day teaching blocks spread over 12 weeks across the academic year, and module 3 will be 1 day per week over 6 weeks in the spring semester. Those who successfully complete the PG Certificate may wish to progress to the PG Diploma and/or MSc.

People teaching you

Professor Lisa Bunting

Programme Director

SSESW

Teaching Times

Weekly lectures and workshops running from 09:00 - 17:00

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Introduction

This programme provides knowledge and skills which are highly valued in both child and adult services across health and social care.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this programme are outlined below:

• Assessment is written assignment and oral presentation, including reflective practice learning portfolio and annotated case-based presentation.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Requirements

Applicants should normally hold a second-class honours degree or higher. Where this academic requirement is not met, they must satisfy the programme lead that their experience and qualifications equip them to undertake postgraduate study through a written assignment.

Professional Requirements

Applicants must also possess a social work qualification recognised by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) and be registered with the Council.

Work Experience

Applicants should have completed their assessed year in employment (AYE).

Current Employment

All applicants must be currently engaged for at least 12 hours per week in a children’s social care setting in a capacity in which core social work values underpin their practice with service users or carers.

Professional Development

Applicants must be enrolled on the PiP Consolidation or Specialist Award on the NISCC portal.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.

Career Prospects

This course provides knowledge and skills which are highly valued in both child and adult services across health and social care.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Additional course costs

• All Students: Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.