28Nov
PostgraduateCourse summary
Make a real difference to some of the most marginalised and at-risk people in society. Help disadvantaged people access essential social services. Begin an extremely rewarding career in social work. As a social worker you will have opportunities to make a real difference to some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in society. You could take your career in a number of directions such as working in child protection, with young people in care, older people, people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, mental health difficulties, homeless people, people with drug dependencies or with any other group of people with specialist needs. MA Social Work combines classroom learning and practical experience. You'll study the context of social work, legal and policy frameworks, social work theory, psychological and sociological theory, power, discrimination and anti-oppressive practice. You will consolidate this theoretical knowledge with two placements to put your learning into practice.
Modules
The Social Work Context, Theories and Models for Social Work Practice, Preparing for Practice, Practice Placement 1 Critical Perspectives in Social Work Practice, Social Work Research and Dissertation. Practice Placement 2
Assessment method
A typical week for you will include lectures, seminars and workshops, with a strong emphasis on individual participation and discussion. During the first semester you will also develop a Practice Skills Portfolio that helps you to reflect and make the best use of supervision. Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters course requires a higher level of independent working. Your progress will be assessed with assignments, written coursework, presentations and workbooks/portfolios. Throughout the course you'll have one-to-one support from staff throughout your degree.
Entry requirements
We usually require applicants to hold at least a second class honours degree (usually a 2:1) or equivalent, or 2:2 if you also have a relevant postgraduate qualification. You also need Grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics and English Language, or equivalent qualifications. If you have studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade then you will need to achieve a grade 4 or above. If English is not your first language, you will also need International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at a score of 7.0 in all components. To apply for this degree you must have experience (voluntary or paid) in a social care setting. You can include placements which you have undertaken as part of college, but we do expect more experience than this. Experience could include volunteering during weekends, evenings, or holidays. We may also consider any relevant personal experience you might have. You should clearly describe your experience in the personal statement section of your application and show how this relates to a career in social work. Social work involves working with some of the most vulnerable people in society, and social work education is regulated by the Health and Care Professionals Council. We must therefore be satisfied that you are 'fit to practise' before we can accept you onto this degree course.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £389 | Credit |
| Northern Ireland | £389 | Credit |
| Scotland | £389 | Credit |
| Wales | £389 | Credit |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
£389 per 10 credits for part-time study
Provider information
University of Sunderland
Edinburgh Building, City Campus
Chester Road
Sunderland
SR1 3SD