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Social Work

MA


Full-time

2024 - 2025

Duration

Start date

Location

Suitable for applications.

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Studying Social Work at the University of Bradford has taught me to believe in humanity, and how collaborative work can improve the lives of the people we support. Momoh, MA Social Work

Entry requirements

  • An undergraduate honours degree at 2:1 or higher in any discipline (we will also consider applicants who hold a Master's level qualification)
  • Demonstrate that they have relevant work experience equivalent to a minimum of 6 months full-time work (approximately 910 hours). This may be paid or voluntary work and could have been undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. Applicants are usually expected to have had a substantial part of such experience during the past 2 years and to have had experience which includes working with vulnerable groups in Britain

or:

  • An undergraduate honours degree at 2:2 in any discipline
  • Demonstrate that they have relevant work experience equivalent to a minimum of 12 months full-time work (approximately 1820 hours). This should be within a local authority social services team and could have been undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. Applicants are usually expected to have had a substantial part of such experience during the past 2 years and to have had experience which includes working with vulnerable groups in Britain

Further entry requirements:

  • Demonstrate that, by the time they start the course, they will have acquired current and relevant underpinning knowledge from psychology, sociology, and social policy, at a level, which will allow them to complete the MA (Social Work). Applicants who have not acquired such knowledge in completing their first degrees or who obtained their degrees several years ago should consider what further study and/or reading is required as well as study skills revision to prepare them for this level of study. They may need to consider enrolment on foundation-level courses at their local university or distance learning packages, such as the Open University’s ’Introducing the social sciences’ module DD102
  • Demonstrate that they have relevant work experience equivalent to a minimum of 6 months full-time work (approximately 910 hours). This may be paid or voluntary work and could have been undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis. Applicants are usually expected to have had a substantial part of such experience during the past 2 years and to have had experience which includes working with vulnerable groups in Britain. Applicants who have limited experience or who have had little or no relevant experience during the past 2 years should consider seeking relevant employment or volunteering via organisations, such as their local Council for Voluntary Services, local Children’s or Adult Services Departments, or local voluntary sector agencies
  • Demonstrate that their understanding of social work is informed both by underpinning knowledge and by reflection on their experience
  • Hold certificated qualifications in Maths and English Language which are, at least, equivalent to GCSE (at grade C or above)
  • The minimum level of English Language attainment for entry to MA Social Work is IELTS 7 or equivalent.
  • Have Information, Communication Technology (ICT) skills that are sufficient to allow them to begin both study and practice and that they will be able to develop these skills during their progress through the course. (Applicants without such relevant skills will need to demonstrate that they have plans to acquire them prior to starting social work training).
  • Complete a health disclosure form
  • Complete a declaration form regarding matters that include criminal convictions, cautions and reprimands and any disciplinary action by employers, in order to satisfy the programme that they are suitable to work with vulnerable children and adults
  • All information obtained from the admissions process is used to assess a candidate's potential to successfully complete the social work programme and to eventually practice as a qualified worker in accordance with Social Work England

Additional entry requirements

All places are offered subject to satisfactory occupational health screening and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The occupational health screening

All places are offered subject to satisfactory occupational health screening. This will involve completing an online occupational health questionnaire and attendance if required at a medical appointment.

Students on health care programmes must be able to meet the Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency (2013). Occupational health screening and assessment will consider the students’ health and wellbeing and their fitness to study and practice. Progress on the course is dependent on your continued fitness.

This screening process complies with Public Health England requirements for the protection of the public and students and staff working in health and social care.

All offers of places are made subject to satisfactory health clearance.

The University is obliged to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities to enable them to fulfill the required competencies of the programme. Candidates who are concerned about health issues are strongly advised to contact us prior to applying.

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

All places are also offered subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (previously known as CRB check) disclosure. This is due to the fact that you may be required to work with children or vulnerable adults on your clinical placement, and will need to demonstrate that you can safely work with these groups upon HCPC registration.

English language requirements

IELTS at 7 or the equivalent.

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

Learning and assessment

Our programme is built around The College of Social Work’s requirements for practice placements, coupled with a clear system of curriculum development as you progress through the stages of the programme.

You will be assessed by the attendance of two practice placements: the first placement in year one and the final placement in year two. The placements will be with different service user groups and with a minimum of one placement that will allow you to undertake statutory interventions. These placements, along with the 30 days skills preparation and the teaching and learning strategies employed on the programme, will enable you to critically analyse and reflect on your practice and learning.

Placements are full-time: 5 days a week following usual working hours (e.g., 09:00 to 17:00 although the hours may vary for each placement setting). The first placement (70 days) will run between mid-May and the end of August in Year 1. The second placement (100 days) will run between January and June in Year 2. We have a dedicated team of Practice Learning Tutors who will manage and support you on your placement. You will need to be prepared to travel to practice placements within a 30-mile radius of the University of Bradford, and many placement providers will expect students to possess a full UK driving licence.

Our proven skills in teaching rest upon a commitment to clear learning outcomes, a structured system of progression, imaginative assessments and the provision of safe, stimulating learning environments. Our lecturers have a variety of specialist practice, academic and research skills as well as a commitment to providing high-quality teaching and learning.

All assessments test skills in critical analysis and reflective practice in the integration of the practice and theory of social work. Prior to starting each placement, you will be assessed on your ‘fitness to practice’ and suitability for social work training, and you will be expected to pass your placement at the required level.

Other forms of assessment include:

  • essays
  • blogs
  • reports
  • reflective pieces
  • individual and group presentations and exercises
  • recorded role plays
  • digital story-telling and other practice exercises
  • participation in virtual learning exercises
  • VIVA interview
This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.