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Social Work, MA Social Work, MA Middlesex University

Middlesex University

Masters Degree , Social Work

Course Description

The Masters in Social Work is an academic and professional qualification where you will experience an integration of practice and research. Social workers have a key role in working with other professionals to offer support to some of society's most vulnerable citizens.

Why study MA Social Work at Middlesex University?

This innovative and accelerated postgraduate social work course offers the opportunity to engage with an intensive and immersive programme of teaching and learning integrating practice placements. Over the duration of the programme, you will develop into a competent and enthusiastic social work practitioner ready to engage with the rigours of this dynamic and exciting profession.

We have excellent relationships with local employers through our long standing stakeholder group and our new Teaching Partnership. As a result, some of your teaching with be co-delivered by practising social workers and service users.

This programme offers an accelerated route to becoming a professional social worker for highly motivated recent graduates or for career changers looking for new challenges and opportunities. You will be able to develop into an excellent and valued social worker with the capacity to work in all statutory social work settings and in a wide variety of private and voluntary workplaces in the UK and abroad. You will also be able to take advantage of high quality placements in both adult and children’s services including a final 100 day placement where you will undertake statutory interventions.

Course highlights

  • You will benefit from high levels of tutor contact time through extended teaching sessions, interactive workshop style seminars and e-learning resources
  • You will be taught by staff from within our Department of Mental Health, Social Work and Integrative Medicine, where prominent and pioneering research projects in the disciplines of social work and mental health is undertaken
  • As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module, free printing and copying, 24 hour library services and access to a range of other valued resources

Course Content

You will be studying a range of social work theories and will learn the skills to apply these in different practice contexts. This will include psychosocial perspectives, sociology, psychology and human development. There will be a focus on relationship based practice as well as systemic theories. You will study relevant aspects of legislation and the application of these in practice. The curriculum is mapped against the Professional Capabilities Framework(PCF) Standards of Proficiency (SoPs)  and the Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS) for both children and adults.

What will you gain?

You will undertake extensive skills training as part of your readiness for direct practice learning. This will include skills such as use of self, communication, managing conflict and a range of interventions. These will be applied in practice and greatly enhanced and developed throughout your two placements.  In your final year you will undertake your dissertation, applying research skills and knowledge.

Modules

  • Social Work Theory and Readiness for Direct Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

  • Law and Advanced Social Work Practice (30 credits) - Compulsory

  • Understanding the Life Course (15 credits) - Compulsory

  • Social Work Research (15 credits) - Compulsory

  • Practice Placements (30 credits) - Compulsory

  • Dissertation (60 credits) - Compulsory

 

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

  • We normally require an upper second class degree (2:1)

Relevant experience requirement

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to the profession with previous paid or voluntary work experience of at least three months. This should have been gained over the past five years in a part-time or full-time basis.

We consider experience to be relevant where you have been in a responsible position looking after the welfare of children or vulnerable adults. We have presented a few examples below of the sorts of experience we might consider.

  • Example 1: I have been working as a care assistant in a residential home for older people for the past 6 months
  • Example 2: I have been volunteering at my local church run youth centre most Saturdays for the last year offering advocacy and support to young people who are asking for help
  • Example 3: I have volunteered at a help-line offering support to members of the community.

Further requirements

  • GCSE Maths and English at grade C or higher or an equivalent qualification
  • Enhanced DBS check
  • You are also required to provide evidence of study within the last 5 years

Eligibility

UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Please note, due to restrictions placed on students with a Tier 4 visa undertaking part-time study by the UKVI, courses requiring a placement cannot be studied by International students.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Successful shortlisted applicants will be invited for a written test at the University. On successful completion of this you will be invited to attend an admissions day that will include an individual interview. 

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed via a combinations of formative and summative written assignments, group work, assessed role plays and reflective writing based on practice experience. Your practice will be assessed by your practice educator who will be supporting and supervising you throughout your placements. There are currently no examination assessments on the programme.

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