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Social Work at Kingston University - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Reasons to choose Kingston

  • On successful completion, you will be qualified to practise as a registered social worker. The MSW is recognised and approved by Social Work England, the professional regulator for social work.
  • Our teaching partnership with local authorities and voluntary agencies creates a leading social work education community shaped by academic research and frontline practice.
  • In addition to working in the UK, this MSW is also recognised as a professional social work qualification in Canada and the USA.
About this course The Masters of Social Work is a postgraduate intensive qualification that will enable you to become a social worker in two years. You will be taught by social work academics, researchers, expert practitioners and people with lived experience, spanning the range of specialist social work fields. This prepares students to become social workers in their chosen areas of specialist social work practice, equipped with a broad range of theory and evidence. The course provides transformative learning experiences in a supportive, inclusive environment. It is underpinned by a psycho-social and life-course approach, encouraging critical thinking and anti-discriminatory practice in response to the needs of people and communities. You will develop knowledge and skills in our state-of-the-art Practice Learning Skills Lab. Through a specialist practice interest module, you may study a chosen area in depth. We provide two quality contrasting placements of 70 days and 100 days. You will make observation visits, learn from service users, carers and experienced social workers. You will study effective approaches to working with children and their families, and adults at risk, including older adults and mental health social work practice. A satisfactory health declaration, including immunisations, and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check are required from accepted candidates before registration for the programme. Example modules
  • Readiness for Direct Practice
  • Assessment and Intervention
  • Legal, Ethical and Policy Frameworks for Social Work Practice
Career opportunities Fields of practice as a qualified social worker include children’s services and family support, community care and adult services; adult/youth criminal justice services, community, day, residential and health settings; and mental health, disability, addiction and forensic services. You can also progress to the Advanced Social Work MA. How to apply You can apply for this MSW course through UCAS Undergraduate.
  • Course code L508
  • Institution code K84

Modules

Example modules: Readiness for Direct Practice; Assessment and Intervention; Legal, Ethical and Policy Frameworks for Social Work Practice. For a full list of modules please visit the Kingston University course webpage.

Assessment method

You will become equipped with the core knowledge, skills and values required for social work practice. On this programme you will learn about effective approaches to work with children and their families and adults at risk (including older adults, and mental health social work practice). You will study legal, policy and ethical frameworks for social work practice; human development; social work methods of assessment and intervention.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

Entry requirements

A degree at 2:1 or above, normally in a social science subject. Demonstrable experience in the social care sector, obtained through paid employment or as a volunteer or user/carer experience; and have other work/life experience related to the sector or likely to be of value to the sector. All applicants must confirm prior to interview that they have the ability to use basic IT facilities, including word processing, internet browsing and use of email. GCSE at grade 4 or above (or grade C or above for GCSEs taken before 2017) in five subjects, including English Language or equivalent qualification e.g. Functional/Key skills level 2 in literacy. Non-native speakers who do not have the equivalent of GCSE English at grade 4 (formerly grade C) or an equivalent (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 Literacy) require an Academic IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent overall. All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 7.0 overall with special conditions in all elements. Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider. You will be invited to attend a selection day prior to being offered a place. The selection process includes a written test, a role play and a series of mini interviews. Overseas applicants may undertake this process using video conferencing. Admission is subject to occupational health screening and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check including checks against the Adult and Child Workforce Barring lists if you are offered and accept a place on the course.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £4000 Year 1
Northern Ireland £4000 Year 1
Scotland £4000 Year 1
Wales £4000 Year 1

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

Please visit the provider course webpage for further information regarding additional course costs
Social Work at Kingston University - UCAS