Postgraduate university qualification course in social work
Begin or advance your career by qualifying as a social worker in England.
You can complete a postgraduate qualification in social work if you already hold an undergraduate degree in another subject. The course you complete must be approved by Social Work England (SWE).
To become a qualified, registered social worker through full-time or part-time postgraduate study, your course must lead to either a:
- Master of Arts (MA) in social work
- Master of Science (MSc) in social work
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in social work
Find postgraduate social work courses using the University and Colleges Advice Service UCAS search tool.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements vary according to the course you are applying for.
Search SWE approved courses or visit the individual university website to check entry requirements for each course.
Funding
You may be eligible for funding through the Social Work Bursary. This bursary offers tuition fee contributions and maintenance support for eligible students.
If you choose to complete a Masters, you may be eligible for a repayable Master’s loan managed by the Student Loans Company. However, if you are in receipt of the Social Work Bursary you will not be eligible for the Master’s loan.
The Funding for postgraduate study guidance has more information on the sources of financial support.
If you choose to complete a postgraduate diploma (PGDip), there is no postgraduate loan available in England.
Course tuition fees may vary depending on which university you choose.
Check how student financial support might impact any benefits you currently receive, including childcare allowances and Universal Credit.
Additional funding for Postgraduate social work students:
Additional funding you might be eligible for include:
- additional allowances under the Social Work Bursary
- the Master’s loan extra help depending on your circumstances and caps set by the government
- university scholarships (visit university websites to find out support is available)
- financial support from charities, foundations and trusts on the Scholarship Hub
UCAS also has guidance and information for international students who want to study in the United Kingdom.
Application and selection process
You should apply directly to the university for postgraduate courses rather than through UCAS. Many institutions have their own online application system.
The application and selection process depends on the university you apply to. For more information on this, check the relevant university websites and UCAS guidance on how to apply for postgraduate study.
UCAS also has information for international students who want to apply for a postgraduate qualification.
Course length and content
Full-time social work postgraduate courses typically last two years, however, part-time courses take longer and may vary in length.
Social Work England’s education and training standards ensure that social work courses in England enable you to develop your skills and knowledge across all areas of social work. This means that you can work towards meeting the professional standards.
Postgraduate courses usually include a range of modules focussing on legislation, ethics, theory and working with adults, children and families.
You will gain the required experience in at least two practice settings during your training. This provides contrasting experiences and will give you a diverse set of skills and insights into the complexities of various situations. For example, working in child protection and then with vulnerable adults.
Each university course content varies. Consider this carefully before applying. Information on course content can be found on UCAS or on university provider websites.
After you qualify
As a newly qualified social worker with a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc) degree or Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in social work, you:
- must register with Social Work England to practice professionally
- can complete the assessed and supported year in employment (ASYE) programme
ASYE helps you develop your skills in a supported environment. It's open to all newly qualified social workers employed in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Social Work England requires you (as a qualified social worker) to demonstrate your continuing profession development (CPD) each year as a requirement of registration.
Continue to develop your skills and knowledge in child and family social work with development programmes funded by the Department for Education.
Next page: Degree Apprenticeship in social work (level 6)