Social Work (Taught)

Course summary

Social work is a challenging and rewarding career. You will work alongside some of the most vulnerable people in society, working towards positive change with individuals, families and groups. The work is incredibly varied with possibilities to specialise, for example in work with children or young people, adults with disabilities or mental health needs. Social workers often spend their time with people – be it in hospitals, people's homes, schools or in the community. A patient, non-judgemental approach is needed, with the ability to communicate effectively with a host of different people. The Social Work MA at LSBU is a well-established course, running for over 30 years. Our graduates are eligible to apply to register as Social Workers with Social Work England, and have gone on to work in an exciting range of settings, from local authorities to setting up their own businesses. We're ranked 1st amongst London competitors for Overall Score in Social Work (Complete University Guide 2021). This course blends an academic and professional focus with four strands underpinning our approach; We link practice-based learning and university learning We emphasise relationship based practices and co-production We offer research informed teaching We support you as autonomous and collaborative learners On this course you will undertake two practice placements - 70 days in the first year and 100 days in the second year. Potential placements are varied, and are chosen from our diverse range of partner agencies in the voluntary and statutory sectors. Placements will be in different settings, service user groups, ages or methods. Placements may occasionally operate outside of normal working hours. Employment based route It is also possible to study the MA Social Work on an employment based route (EBR) over three years. Candidates need to be sponsored and supported by their employing agency to undertake this, including provision by employers of suitable practice placements. It is taught alongside the existing MA Social Work and the structure is the same, but students complete the dissertation in their third year. Social work as a career There are a diverse range of employment opportunities for qualified social workers, including local authorities, NHS trusts, voluntary sector organisations and innovative social enterprises. Salaries vary according to region, and you are likely to earn more working in London. Many of our graduates successfully seek positions in ASYE schemes (Assessed and Supported Year in Practice).

Modules

Year 1 Readiness for direct practice Human growth and development Practice placement 1 Law for social work Methods and theories for practice Year 2 Society and ethics Professional capabilities in social work practice settings Communication and collaborative working Practice learning placement 2 Limited systematic review dissertation

Entry requirements

A Bachelor degree equivalent normally to a UK Second Class Honours Upper Division (2:1) or above in a relevant subject GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above (previously A*-C or above) or a recognised equivalent You will be required to present evidence of social work knowledge and social care as well as work experience in some aspect of social work/social care full-time over six months, or the equivalent part-time (e.g. 15 hours per week over one year in voluntary work). At least some of this experience needs to be in the UK We are proud of our diverse student group and positively welcome those from a wide range of backgrounds and age groups.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Additional fee information

For more information on fees and funding, please see our website: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/fees-and-funding Fees for courses can be found on the individual course entry. To search for a course, please visit our Course Finder page: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/courses/course-finder

Sponsorship information

Social Work Bursary Scheme If you are applying to a Social Work course you may be eligible to receive a non-income assessed basic bursary awarded by the NHS Business Services Authority . This is dependent on where you study and whether you study full-time or part-time. The amount of the basic bursary for undergraduate students is dependent on whether you are subject to variable tuition fees. Postgraduate students may also apply for income assessed elements.In April 2013 the Department of Health announced new arrangements for the Social Work Bursary Scheme. In summary the new arrangements are: There will be a cap of numbers of bursaries at postgraduate level, which means there is no guarantee of a bursary for students applying for a Social Work course at university The postgraduate bursary will be retained as is for the two years of study and will include: the basic bursary, indicative travel expenses for placements and a contribution to tuition fees Fees for Year 1 are made up of 60 credits Fees for Year 2 are made up of 60 credits and the cost of the dissertation which is a further 60 credits You should note that fees for both years 1 and 2 of the course are significantly higher than the tuition fee element of the bursary You remain responsible for payment of any fees over and above the amount of any bursary granted If eligible, you may also receive disabled student allowance, income assessed maintenance grant, income assessed adults dependent allowance and income assessed parents learning allowance You are able to apply for a Career Development Loan to help cover the costs of the course Practice placements travel expenses will continue to be paid to those who do not receive a bursary but would have under the previous scheme For further information on the Social Work Bursary Scheme and Bursary changes to Social Work courses please refer to the NHS Business Services Authority website.