MA Social Work

Introduction

Postgraduate Social Work education at Warwick is based in the School of Health & Social Studies. Our MA Social Work degree, accredited by the General Social Care Council, was introduced in 2004. The programme was developed in consultation with Social Care Service Users and Stakeholders, who are also actively involved in the delivery of the programme. Practising social care professionals ensure teaching is relevant to the cutting edge of today’s social work agenda and the use of new technology facilitates participative learning.

About the course

The School has an active research base framed within the spheres of social justice and social citizenship and prides itself on a policy oriented approach. The MA is taught within this ethos and students are encouraged to consider questions about inequalities in social work policy and practice and how they might be countered.

The degree is full-time for 24 months. Successful completion leads to the University award of MA Social Work and eligibility for entry to the General Social Care Council (GSCC) Register of Social Workers.

The MA Social Work (MASW) programme is a combination of 200 days of structured academic teaching and learning followed by 200 days of practice learning.

 Graduation

Year 1 – University-based teaching

  • Research for Practice: Relevance of well conducted research for social workers and their organisations
  • Diversity in Society: Significance of social divisions for understanding diversity in society
  • Social Work Intervention: Critical appreciation of the relationship between social work theory and practice
  • Legal, Policy and Organisational Frameworks for Social Work Practice: Broader context of social work; how its legal, policy and organisational frameworks shape practice
  • Social Work with Children and Families: Work with children and families across a wide range of settings and organisational contexts
  • Community Care: Theory, policy and practice in community care for adults

Year 2 – Practice Learning

200 days of assessed practice learning, with contrasting experiences drawn from a wide range of statutory, voluntary and independent agencies.

Assessment

Formative and summative assessment is a continuing process across the 24 months of the programme and takes a variety of forms, including assignments and exercises. During Year 2, students develop a portfolio of evidence from their assessed practice learning.

Funding

Government funded bursaries are available for all eligible students. The bursary includes payment of:

  • Tuition and other compulsory fees to the University
  • A maintenance grant, based on individual circumstances and recognising the needs of disabled students and students with dependants
  • Travel and other expenses (within limits)

For further information about bursary funding please visit the following website link:

www.ppa.org.uk/swb

Admissions Criteria

  • First, 2.1 or a good 2.2 class honours degree in any subject.
  • GCSE grade C or equivalent in Maths and English
  • Equivalent of three months full-time experience relevant to social work on a voluntary or paid basis, or substantial caring responsibilities that have provided first-hand experiences of social work or social services interventions

All applications are made via UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admissions Service). Please visit their website at www.ucas.ac.uk for further information.

Accommodation

Please note that if you are interestd in arranging accommodation through the University, the First year of the MA follows the standard Undergraduate timetable of 30 weeks. The Accommodation rental period for most Post Graduate rooms on campus is 37 weeks. Please contact the Accomodation Office for further information.

Further information

Enquiries for further information to:

MA Admissions Secretary, School of Health & Social Studies, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL

Tel: +44 (0)24 7657 4016

E-mail: swadmissions-shss@warwick.ac.uk

 

Applications for the MA Social Work should be made through UCAS


‘I am of Zimbabwean origin and have been resident in the United Kingdom for over five years. I chose to study at Warwick because of the structure of the MASW course, especially the second year. The dissertation is replaced with a Professional Related Agency Study, Literature Review and Presentation. This gives a change to focus on preparing students to become professional social workers. The support provided by the academic staff is excellent. The library and IT facilities are excellent and there is always someone to assist.'

Longina Furidze, MA Social Work, School of Health and Social Studies