Social Work – (M.A.)

This programme is a qualifying programme in social work. It is set at Masters level in order to provide an opportunity for graduates to study at a higher level and gain a professional qualification. Students are provided with a range of inputs and engage in critical discussion which develops the breadth and depth of knowledge, skills and values commensurate with contemporary social work practice across the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors. Particular emphasis is given to student support through this process, with a comprehensive programme of tutorial support. The two substantial placement periods are also well supported throughout.

The curriculum includes services provided by social services, communication skills, social work law, social work process and theory, working with children, young people and their families, working with older people, working with people with a disability, working with people who have a mental health difficulty, organisations, and a dissertation. An awareness of issues relating to power, anti-oppressive practice and social justice is central to the range of teaching provided.

The opportunity will be taken to ensure that there is a significant emphasis on inter-professional learning in the curriculum thereby addressing a current requirement of health and social care practice.

Postgraduate Social Work Bursary

A postgraduate bursary is available to students ordinarily resident in England and Wales studying on an approved full-time social work postgraduate course. Amongst other eligibility criteria, students must also meet certain residency requirements.

The postgraduate bursary consists of a non-income assessed basic grant that varies in value and tuition fee support up to a capped amount.

The bursary also includes an income assessed maintenance grant that varies in value, and income-assessed allowances of various values to assist with certain costs of living, as recipients of the bursary will not be entitled to local authority funding. Financial awards are dependent on individual circumstances. The bursary can be subject to variation and students need to ensure they have up-to-date information.

For full details on eligibility criteria, the financial value of the bursaries and application packs, please visit the General Social Care Council website or the NHS website. You can email enquiries to swb@ppa.nhs.uk Students resident in Wales will need to apply to the Care Council for Wales for a bursary. Please visit the Care Council for Wales website for further information.