COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Social Work curriculum provides a comprehensive combination of professional knowledge, practical training, legal understanding, research, and supervised practice to prepare students for registration with Social Work England and professional careers in social work. The programme begins with Law and Policy for Professional Practice, which develops an understanding of the legal frameworks, public policy, safeguarding legislation, human rights, equality, ethics, and professional responsibilities that guide social work practice across health and social care settings. Knowledge, Theory and Methods of Intervention explores the major theories, models, and evidence-based approaches used in social work, enabling students to assess needs, plan interventions, support individuals and families, and promote positive outcomes through effective professional practice. Students complete a 70 Day Practice Placement, gaining supervised experience within professional social work settings where they apply classroom learning while developing communication, assessment, safeguarding, and intervention skills. Balancing Rights, Risks and Responsibilities examines ethical decision-making, risk assessment, safeguarding, professional accountability, and the complex balance between protecting vulnerable individuals and respecting their rights, dignity, and independence. Social Work with Adults, Families and Communities focuses on supporting diverse populations across the lifespan, addressing issues such as child and adult safeguarding, mental health, disability, ageing, family support, community development, social inclusion, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Students also complete a Dissertation, undertaking an independent research project that applies advanced research methods and critical analysis to investigate an important issue within social work policy or practice. A second and more extensive 100 Day Practice Placement provides additional professional experience, allowing students to demonstrate competence in assessment, intervention, case management, multidisciplinary working, and professional decision-making while meeting the practice standards required for qualification. Skills for Practice develops essential professional competencies including interviewing, communication, reflective practice, report writing, advocacy, teamwork, cultural competence, and relationship-building with service users, carers, and partner agencies. Throughout the programme, students strengthen leadership, research, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and evidence-based practice skills while gaining extensive real-world experience across statutory, voluntary, private, and independent social care settings. Overall, the curriculum prepares graduates for registration with Social Work England and careers as Social Workers working with children and families, adults, older people, mental health services, disability services, hospitals, local authorities, schools, charities, community organisations, youth justice services, safeguarding teams, and integrated health and social care services, while also providing a strong foundation for leadership, specialist practice, and further postgraduate research.