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University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate taught

Social Work

MA

Course options

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Study type
Full Time
Course length
20 Months
Campus
Oxstalls, Gloucester
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

Social workers support and empower people to make changes and improve lives. They act to protect vulnerable people whilst respecting and promoting human rights. Successful completion of this intensive Master’s route which provides a generic social work teaching programme will lead to you becoming a professionally qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.

Teaching staff are registered social work practitioners and bring specific areas of knowledge and expertise to the teaching programme. Successful completion of this programme will enable you to practise in your chosen field of children and families or adults, and across a range of areas – including statutory, voluntary, private and the independent sector.

The teaching programme is dynamic, interactive, and experiential. Engaging in academic and applied learning, this teaching programme will provide you with a balance of theoretical frameworks and interactive practical work experiences in social work and social care settings.

You’ll engage in studies that provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills and theoretical frameworks that inform all areas of social work practice with adults and children.

With emphasis on experiential learning, your studies will include working in small tutorial and seminar groups, simulations, role play, group work and opportunities to develop reflective and critical debate.

It’s planned that this course will be taught at UoG’s new campus in Gloucester city centre from September 2025.

The vibrant campus will be at the heart of the regeneration of Gloucester city centre. It will bring an iconic building back to life as a modern centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships, through placements, research and outreach activity, and provide cutting-edge facilities for your course.

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Entry requirements

    • This course is specifically designed for people who want to qualify and practice as a professional social worker in England. Applicants should have a detailed understanding of social work practices in the UK and hold a 2.1 honours degree equivalent in a relevant subject area. Applicants must also have at least three months recent work experience in a social care setting, contributing to some understanding of social work.

    • Selection for this course is by interview. Please refer to our interview guide for further information.

    • At least 3 months’ work experience in a social care setting, contributing some understanding of social work.

    • GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or an equivalent qualification.

      If you don’t have a traditional GCSE, get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • In order to study this course, offer holders will need to complete a satisfactory DBS and Health Clearance check.

    • If English is not your first language, you are required to provide a language test certificate as evidence of proficiency that is at International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 7.0 overall.

Course modules

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Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

See the further details of fees and potential extra costs when studying a course at the University of Gloucestershire.

Find out about Social Work placement travel arrangements and additional costs.

Students usually support themselves through a postgraduate loan, private savings, family support or sponsorship from an employer. For advice and guidance on your funding options, contact the Money Advice team at [email protected] or call 01242 714535.

UoG graduates receive 15% off postgraduate tuition fees. Terms apply.

Start date Location Course code Fee (UK)
Total fee
Fee (international)
Total fee
Jan 2025 Oxstalls, Gloucester £9,350 £17,100
Jan 2026 City Campus, Gloucester TBC TBC

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UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers

Discover our promises

Careers

Throughout the MA Social Work programme, you’ll gain the necessary skills and experience to pursue a career in social work in a range of sectors including statutory, voluntary, private and independent.

The course has been designed in partnership with agencies and service users, and you’ll be supported by a team of committed, experienced, registered social workers.

These strong industry links will ensure you have the real-world skills to thrive in what is a hugely rewarding career.

Your fast-track route to professional qualification

An intensive fast-track programme to gain a professional qualification in short period of time. Successful completion means you’ll be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England.

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Qualify with excellent employability prospects

After you graduate, you’ll be able to practise in a range of fields and for a variety of employers – including in statutory, voluntary, private and independent sectors.

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Push your possible with a master’s degree

Increase your pay potential, specialise in a subject you love, or pursue your passion and switch careers.

UoG alumni can benefit from a postgraduate scholarship discount of 15% off tuition fees.

Discover the benefits of studying a master’s degree.

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Placements

The course is structured to help you put learning into practice. The placements you undertake must be in different service areas, to broaden your perspective and experience. We have good connections to help you gain industry experience through a wide range of placements – across a variety of settings within Gloucestershire and beyond.

Find out about Social Work placement travel arrangements and additional costs.

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