COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc Social Work program at Winchester is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and professional values essential for practice as a qualified social worker. In the first year, students focus on developing readiness for practice through foundational modules covering the principles of professional practice, psychological perspectives across the life course, social work methods and interventions, and the legal and professional knowledge base required for effective practice. This theoretical grounding is complemented by a substantial first practice placement, allowing students to apply learning in real-world settings and gain hands-on experience in assessing and supporting individuals and families. In the second year, students build on this foundation with modules addressing risk assessment, safeguarding, and contemporary social work practice, ensuring they understand how to navigate complex ethical and professional challenges. The final practice placement offers extended, in-depth professional experience under guided supervision, consolidating practical competencies such as assessment, intervention planning, communication, and collaboration with service users and multi-agency teams. Additionally, students engage in research methods and academic writing for publication, fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice. By the end of the program, graduates are fully prepared to register with Social Work England, equipped with the professional confidence, practical skills, and ethical understanding necessary to make a meaningful impact in social work practice across diverse settings.