Social Work

Develop your understanding of the theories surrounding social work, as well as their practical implications, to become a professionally competent, reflective and analytical social work practitioner.

Our Social Work MA is a two-year course which will equip you with a masters degree and a professional qualification recognised by Social Work England.

You'll learn through a variety of methods, taught by enthusiastic, committed and research active academics, experienced in the field of social work. You’ll also learn from current practitioners, peers, service users and other highly-specialised professionals from a variety of backgrounds and organisations. You’ll develop a clear understanding of the use and application of theory in social work practice.

In addition to your University-based studies, you'll undertake two one-hundred day statutory placements in South Yorkshire. Our collaborative relationship with the South Yorkshire Teaching Partnership (SYTP) opens the door to practice learning experiences within five different local authorities, in areas such as children and families social work, adult social work and mental health teams. You can read more about placements below.

Your practice learning is enhanced with University recall days and weekly personal study time, enabling you to reflect deeply on your placement experiences, discuss pertinent issues with your peers and be supported by your personal and placement tutor.

Upon completion of this programme you'll have obtained the skills and knowledge to tackle the real challenges that face social workers of today's world. You'll be part of a workforce making a positive impact on the lives of many vulnerable individuals, families and communities.

Placements

Our MA in Social Work is part of the SYTP, offering two 100-day placements in either childcare or adult care statutory settings. These placements are carefully chosen to offer contrasting experiences in contemporary social work practice, enhancing your overall learning and experience.

Both placements are 100 consecutive days long, in order to meet the Social Work England 200 days of practice learning requirement, an initiative unique to the SYTP and University.

You'll develop strong relationships with local authorities whilst on placement, helping you gain employment within the SYTP and beyond following your graduation.

The quality of the placement experience is reflected in the 100% employability of our graduates (Graduate Outcomes Data, 2020-21), showing that you will finish this programme highly qualified and ready to begin your career in social work/social care.

If you have additional caring responsibilities, health issues and/or a disability, we’ll seek to place you as close to your home as possible. There is some flexibility regarding working patterns in most placements.

However, when applying for this course, you should consider the demands of your caring responsibilities given that this is a full-time programme with two continuous 100-day placements in both years of study.

If you would like to discuss the demands of the programme with our Admissions Officer before you apply, please contact us.

Advice, information and support for students with caring responsibilities

Disability and Dyslexia Support Service

Support

Throughout your journey to completing your Social Work MA and becoming a qualified social worker, you'll be offered a variety of support, not only from the department but from the wider university and our local authority partners within the South Yorkshire Teaching Partnership.

Whether you’re in the classroom or on placement, there will always be someone there, dedicated to supporting you. Here are some examples:

• Your Academic Tutor will be your consistent contact within the department who will take the time to understand your individual circumstances and support you in progressing in your studies and personal development.
• Your Dissertation Supervisor will support you throughout your second year as you complete a dissertation relating to an area of academic interest.
• On each of your placements in a social work setting, you will be allocated a Practice Educator who is there to support your learning in the workplace.
• Your Placement Tutor will be on hand to provide a supportive link between local authorities and the university, while you are on placement.
• It’s not just staff who will be supporting you along the way, you’ll have your fellow Social Work students to chat to in group teaching sessions and support each other as you complete your journey to becoming a qualified social worker.

Support from the Department of Sociological Studies

Accreditation

This degree makes you eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England as a qualified social worker.