| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-19 | - |
| 2024-01-09 | 2023-11-04 |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Social Work MA at De Montfort University is a two-year, full-time program that equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional qualifications to enter the social work field. The program emphasizes social justice, ethical conduct, and hands-on experience through placements. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England, opening up a wide range of career opportunities in various social work settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Overview:
The Social Work MA at De Montfort University is a two-year, full-time program designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional qualifications to enter the social work field. The program focuses on social justice and aims to prepare students to make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals. It provides a strong foundation in social work theory and practice, emphasizes ethical and professional conduct, and offers substantial hands-on experience through placements.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become qualified social workers.
- Prepare graduates to work with diverse populations across various social work settings.
- Develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills for effective practice.
- Instill ethical and professional values essential for social work practice.
- Provide graduates with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Foster a commitment to social justice and advocacy for vulnerable individuals and communities.
Program Description:
The Social Work MA is a vocational program with a significant emphasis on practical experience. Students spend nearly half of their time on placements in various social work settings, gaining invaluable hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced practitioners. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of social work theories, methods, and policy frameworks, along with the development of critical self-reflection and ethical decision-making skills. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England.
Outline
Program Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics relevant to social work practice, including:
- Child and family social work
- Social work with adults
- Values and social justice
- Social work theories and methods
- Human growth and development
- Understanding professional practice in social work
- Research methods
- Skills development
- Practice-based learning
Structure:
The Social Work MA is a two-year full-time program structured as follows:
- Year One: Core modules focusing on foundational knowledge and skills development, along with initial skills development days.
- Year Two: Two practice placements (one 70-day and one 100-day) and a research dissertation, with additional skills development days.
Course Schedule:
The exact course schedule may vary slightly each year. In general, students attend lectures and seminars three to four days a week during teaching semesters.
Modules:
Year One:
- Children and Families Social Work
- Social Work with Adults
- Values and Social Justice
- Social Work Theories and Methods
- Human Growth and Development
- Understanding Professional Practice in Social Work
- Research Methods
- Skills Development days
Year Two:
- Placement One (70 days)
- Placement Two (100 days)
- Research Dissertation
- Skills Development Days
Assessment
Assessment Methods:
The Social Work MA program utilizes a diverse range of assessment methods to evaluate students' learning and development, including:
- Essays
- Group presentations
- Case studies
- Skills exercises
- Placement portfolio
- Research dissertation
- Participation and engagement
Assessment Criteria:
Assessments are based on various criteria, including:
- Knowledge and understanding of social work theory and practice
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Application of theory to real-world scenarios
- Ethical and professional behavior
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Research and writing skills
Teaching
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and promote active engagement. These methods include:
- Formal lectures
- Student-led learning activities
- Problem-based learning
- Self-directed study
- E-learning modules
- Skills development workshops
- Reflective practice exercises
Faculty:
The program is delivered by experienced social work practitioners and researchers who bring a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to the classroom. The faculty is committed to providing students with a supportive learning environment and high-quality instruction.
Unique Approaches:
The Social Work MA incorporates several unique features:
- Strong emphasis on practice-based learning through extensive placements.
- Collaborative partnership with local statutory and voluntary sector organizations providing high-quality placement opportunities.
- Integration of service user and practitioner perspectives into the curriculum.
- Focus on developing students' reflective practice and ethical decision-making abilities.
Careers
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the Social Work MA program are eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England, opening up a wide range of career opportunities in the social work field. Potential settings include:
- Local authorities
- Voluntary organizations
- Healthcare settings
- Education institutions
- Criminal justice system
- Social housing organizations
- Independent social work practice
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work in diverse social work settings and contribute to improving the lives of individuals and communities. They are also well-positioned for further professional development and leadership roles within the social work profession.
Other
The program has a 30-year history of providing high-quality social work education. The curriculum is designed to ensure that students are fully prepared to enter the profession and meet the challenges of contemporary social work practice. The university has strong links with social work placement providers, ensuring high-quality placements with experienced practice educators.
2024/25 tuition fees for UK students for the two year course will be £9,800.
Entry Requirements:
Academic Qualifications:
- Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:2 or above in any discipline.
- Applicants are required to have GCSE English or English Literature at grade 4/C or above.
- You must have three months (approx. 400 hours) recent experience, either full-time or part-time, paid or voluntary in a relevant field of social care, health or education. This must be evidenced by a work-based reference.
Criminal Record Check (DBS):
- As part of the admissions process, applicants are required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
- Any criminal record declaration will be reviewed in accordance with the programme's DBS process to ensure the applicant's suitability for the programme prior to enrolment.
Suitability Declaration:
- Applicants must complete a suitability declaration that includes information about health conditions and any previous convictions.
- If medical evidence is required, the applicant will be responsible for the cost.
- A suitability assessment meeting may be required in some cases.
Deadline for Non-Academic Requirements:
- 17 July 2023 Failure to meet this deadline may result in the offer being withdrawn.
English Language Requirements:
- IELTS score of 7 or equivalent
- English language tuition is available both before and during the course.
- Applicants holding degree-level qualifications are still required to meet English language requirements.
Work Experience:
- The range and types of work experience will be considered in the application process.
- Relevant course-based placement experience and informal care experience may be considered.
- Applicants must complete a Work Experience statement before the interview, which will be assessed in conjunction with the suitability declaration and interview score to determine placement.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
IELTS:
- An IELTS score of 7 or equivalent with no component below 6.5 is required for applicants whose first language is not English.
English Language Tuition:
- English language tuition is available both before and during the course through the British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning (CELL).
English Language Requirements for Degree Holders:
