This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.
University of York has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The Master in Social Work (Hons) is a professional qualification which entitles you to apply to register as a social worker: a challenging and rewarding career. This four-year course, which includes two years of postgraduate study, provides an advanced alternative to standard three-year BA Social Work degrees. You'll gain a Masters-level qualification which is highly valued by employers. You'll have the opportunity to gain practice experience in a voluntary sector placement in your second year, followed by placements within diverse social work settings in Year 3 and 4. Service users and carers contribute directly to our teaching, giving you an unparalleled insight into the complexities of social work. Join a thriving School, internationally recognised for its teaching and research excellence and gain a solid foundation from which to begin your professional journey.
Modules
In Year 1, you'll study core modules which introduce social work concepts, fundamental social and sociological theory and social policy. The core modules in Year 2 will introduce more practical elements, building on Year 1's theoretical foundation. You'll develop essential skills for social work, which you'll have a chance to refine on placement with a voluntary organisation or independent social care agency. You'll also learn how to evaluate and develop service provision, and carry out practice-related research. In the first half of Year 3 you'll prepare for your first statutory placement with a range of core modules which ensure you're ready for practice. You will explore the ethical, legal and policy contexts for social work, which will equip you to manage the competing pressures of social work practice. The placement begins in the Spring Term and lasts for 70 days, after completion of a module designed to support your professional development. As part of your fourth year you'll undertake your final statutory placement. This will take 100 days and will contribute 40 credits toward your course. You will also choose a module that will allow you to study a particular branch of social work in more depth, and work on your dissertation. You will work with a qualified social work practice educator who will support and assess you throughout the placement. Your placement is a chance to develop and follow your own professional interests, with guidance from our academic staff.
Assessment method
Types of assessment in this course include: essays, practical assessment of communication skills, presentations and reports, portfolios, placement supervision and assessment, 16,000 word dissertation. You'll also submit work that won't contribute to your final grade. This allows you to get feedback on your progress and understanding before you submit assessed work.
How to apply
This course is not open to application until the 13th May 2025.
15Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- L507
- Institution code:
- Y50
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 21 credits M: 24 credits
Scottish Higher
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 31 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B
Extended Project - C
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - DDM
T Level
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/msocw-social-work/
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Health checks
Interview
Other
GCSE (or equivalent) English at grade C/4. An offer of a place will also be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a satisfactory health declaration. Experience working in social care, health care or related voluntary work would be advantageous.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We require IELTS 7.0, with a minimum 7.0 in each component or equivalent. Please refer to the English Language requirements for your course: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/msocw-social-work/#entry
English Language requirements
https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/entry/english-language/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25800 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| International | £25800 | 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 note these fees are for 2025 entry. Fees for 2026 entry are yet to be confirmed and will be updated as soon as possible.
For additional information please see our web pages at: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/fees-funding/
Provider information
University of York
Heslington
York
YO10 5DD