Course summary
If you already have a degree and are interested in becoming a social worker, our Postgraduate Social Work courses (MA /PGDip) can lead to the qualification you need. As a graduate you can apply for social work registration in England with Social Work England. Our courses deliver high quality social work education. We have been approved by and teach to Social Work England (SWE) Standards of Proficiency for Social Workers in England, and the British Association of Social Workers’ (BASW) Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF). Our lecturing staff base their teaching on evidence-based practice, promoting the most current social work research. Your practice-based learning includes two work placements. You'll work with your practice educator to develop your capabilities as part of the PCF. Our graduates are highly employable with almost 100% obtaining employment after graduating. We have links with Local Authority employers, local private voluntary and independent sector organisations. So it's likely you will secure a job before qualifying.
Modules
Policy and Law (20 credits) Children (20 credits) Adults (20 credits) Skill Development and Professional Communication (20 credits) Mandatory Practice Days Applied Research Methods (MA students only) Dissertation (MA students only) Social Work Practice 1 (70-day practicum experience) Full-time students normally complete this placement in Year 1 during Semesters 2 and 3. The Part-time mode of study allows more flexibility as to when placements can be undertaken. Usually, part-time students complete this in Year 2 during Semesters 2 and 3. Social Work Practice 2 (100-day practicum experience) Full-time students normally complete this placement in Year 2 during Semesters 1 and 2. The Part-time mode of study allows more flexibility as to when placements can be undertaken. Usually, part-time students complete this in Year 3 during Semesters 1 and 2.
Assessment method
Both MA and PGDip students study seven core modules, including two practice placements. These placements include attendance throughout the summer months. MA students will also need to take the Applied Research Methods module and the Dissertation module.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Social Work England
How to apply
International applicants
For applicants whose first language is not English, an Academic IELTS score of 7.0 (with a minimum of 6.5 in each component) is required. Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
Entry requirements
GCSE: GCSE Maths and English or equivalent at least to grade C or above You must: have a good honours degree (2:1 or above for the MA; 2:2 or above for the PGDip), or a professional qualification equivalent to an undergraduate degree, normally in a cognate area GCSE Maths and English or equivalent at least to grade 4 (C) or above have basic IT skills with reliable access to the internet, preferably through a broadband connection. Additionally: have experience of paid or voluntary work with vulnerable people. This would typically be the equivalent of one year’s full-time experience of social care or health care-related practice in either the statutory or the voluntary sector. Caring in a personal capacity may in some instances be acceptable as relevant experience. Credit Transfer Candidates may be admitted with credit from APL or APEL for the University based part of the programme. In exceptional circumstances where the student can demonstrate the required capabilities and meet assessment criteria, credit for placement learning will be considered.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5750 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5750 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5750 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5750 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5750 | Year 1 |
| EU | £11170 | Year 1 |
| International | £11170 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.
Provider information
Oxford Brookes University
Gipsy Lane
Headington
Oxford
OX3 0BP