Champion social justice. Empower people. Shape a fairer future.
Through a blend of academic knowledge and practice-based learning, the MA Social Work programme equips you to become an informed and qualified practitioner. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from psychology, sociology, social policy, law and social work, the course is underpinned by principles of human rights, social justice and anti-oppressive practice. Social Work students will develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, communities and society.
Why this course?
University of Essex Social Work have a strong reputation for delivering a positive student experience with high levels of student satisfaction.
Our teaching environment draws on diverse, global and interdisciplinary perspectives.
University of Essex Social Work are at the forefront of nationally recognised research excellence.
You will engage in learning from practitioners as well as people with lived experience, as part of the Service User Reference Group (SURG). SURG is made up of people who share their first-hand experiences of health and social care. You can find out more about SURG by reading their blog here.
Who should apply?
The MA Social Work is designed for graduates who hold an undergraduate degree in any subject, or international equivalent and who are interested in social justice and making a difference in people’s lives. If you are already working in social care, health or the private, voluntary or independent sector and want to progress your career, or you are looking to change career, this course will help you become a qualified social worker.
Your learning experience
You will combine rigorous academic learning with practical experience through placements. Whilst you will develop your skills through learning alongside practitioners, people with lived experience and specialist organisations across the health and social care sector. In addition, our academic staff bring diverse interdisciplinary and global perspectives within Social Work, delivering research-informed teaching across the programme. The team’s experience spans social work practice, policy and research across a wide range of specialisms.
All Social Work programmes in the UK require completion of two placements during your period of study. There is a 70-day placement in year one and a 100-day placement in year two of your course. The MA Social Work programme is a full-time course. Placements typically run over four days per week (Monday to Thursday) and Friday is spent at the university. The full-time nature of the course can limit the amount of paid work students can undertake during their studies with us.
Essex is a large and rural county, and some rural areas do not have regular public transport. Although admission to the MA Social Work programme at Essex does not require you to drive, many of our statutory placement providers, such as Local Authorities and Private Fostering and Adoption agencies require students to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle as a requirement of placement with them. Being a licensed driver with access to a vehicle can therefore be a significant advantage. The advantageous nature of driving is not unique to Essex University. Many local authorities across the UK require or strongly prefer that students have access to a car and valid driving licence.
If you are unable to drive and/or do not have access to a vehicle, your choice of placement will be limited and there may be a delay in starting your final year placement. Many employers consider driving an essential requirement of the social work role. The Placement Coordinator will try to ensure that all placements are located within 1.5 hours travelling time of the students’ home or the university. However, this may not always be possible due to placement availability. Please note that you are also responsible for covering the cost of travel to and from placement.
Professional accreditation
Successful completion of this course leads to eligibility to register with Social Work England as a Social Worker. MA Social Work graduates have a wide range of career pathways and can pursue roles in local authorities, private, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as in research, education, leadership and policy across diverse fields.
Successful completion of this course will lead to eligibility for registration with Social Work England as a Social Worker.
Our determination to make a difference in society means we're in the global top 100 of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings which ranked more than 1,400 universities around the world.
You’ll gain extensive hands-on experience through two high-quality placements, giving you the confidence and practical skills to work with individuals, families, and communities.
Course content
Components and modules explained
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
Status
What this means
Core
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Compulsory with Options
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
Optional
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail.
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
HR
100
4
FY
The department or school the module will be taught by.
In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History.
An introductory module exploring the knowledge and understanding that underpins the effective practice of social work. The module examines a variety of social science theories, models, and perspectives used by social workers to understand the lives of the individuals, groups, and communities whose interests they serve. These are organised around the practice themes of strengths-based approaches, relational and solution-focused social work, leadership, and human rights.
There is a specific focus on the development of the profession in response to the evolution of human rights thinking and the complex relationships the vocation entails between social control, advocacy and the promotion of wellbeing.
This module considers social work's rich and contested history and the evolution of its core values. It does this by examining a range of sociological and psychological theories, models, and perspectives of human behaviour and some aspects of human growth and development that are dealt with in more detail in the subsequent module, Life Span and Development. This is intended to furnish students with some of the underpinning knowledge they will need to engage in effective practice. As with other modules in the social work programme there will be specific consideration given to the role of human rights, collective responsibilities, and respect for diversity that have informed the development of social work as a field of enquiry and vocational practice.
The central purpose of this module is to provide an environment where students can explore issues and concerns of legislation, policy-making, and ethics in practice. The module will also focus on building the foundations of legislation relating to children and young people, adult social care, mental health, and mental capacity.
Through this module, social work students will have the opportunity to explore the process of ethical decision-making alongside students and tutors from the Law Clinic. Law and social work staff will be making use of the giving voice to values approach which focuses on empowering decision making for transformational leadership.
The module will include an exploration of the notions of social justice, moral judgment, equality, and the impact of legislation and guidance on people and people's rights- in short, social work what one writer has termed social works "rights and wrongs" (Doel, 2016).
This module explores social, cognitive, and behavioural development across the lifespan through a social work lens. Students will be introduced to established and emerging theories of human development and supported to critically assess their validity and alignment with social work practice, values and ethics. Adopting a human rights framework, students will also be encouraged to critically deconstruct the constructs of 'pathology' and 'normality' within the context of human development.
Social workers engage with individuals and groups at all stages of the life-course. An understanding of key theories and perspectives for understanding the life-course, including structural, psychological and biological factors, and the interplay between these, is essential to effective social work practice. A consideration of the social, historical and economic contexts which shape individual development is also critical for understanding uneven patterns of development through the life-course. The goal of this module is to provide students with the skills needed to understand life course development and its importance to social work practice.
The module will support students throughout the duration of the first placement including: preparation for placement, development of knowledge and skills relevant to practice, support for reflection, professional and personal challenge, and evaluation of own practice.
Using Research and Evidence in Social Work Practice
(15 CREDITS)
This module explores the research processes used in the collection of an evidence base for social work practice and supports the student to interrogate material and develop their understanding of existing research.
Based on the premise that research and scientific inquiry provide the ground for knowledge production and sustain social work practice, the course introduces students to social science research concepts, tools, and methods and demonstrates their application in social work research, practice, and evaluation. It also builds an understanding and critical appreciation of evidence-based and evidence-informed practice. Students will develop necessary research skills that will allow them to confidently engage with diverse research methodologies and critical issues that can be used to advance practice knowledge, evaluate individual practice, evaluate social programs, as well as to contribute to social work research.
The module focuses on the centrality of critical analysis that informs effective leadership within social work practice and reflects the increasing awareness of the role of professional challenge in interdisciplinary and partnership working. At the core of this module will be opportunities for the student to bring together some of their learning over the course of the degree and to think about their future development and the future of social work.
The module will support students throughout the duration of the second placement including: preparation for placement, development of knowledge and skills relevant to practice, support for reflection, professional and personal challenge and for evaluation of own practice.
This module will help you explore a specific aspect of your professional practice and undertake a project to advance your knowledge, skills and understanding in this area. The delivery will focus on a number of critical debates in approaches to practice, global social work issues, innovations in intervention and issues working in complex situations.
In the first year, Social Work students are campus based 2 days per week in Autumn term. In Spring and Summer term, first year Social Work students are campus based 1 day per week, and on placement 3 days per week. In the second year, Social Work students are on placement 4 days per week, with independent study or campus based learning for the remaining day per week.
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements
A 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or international equivalent.
AND
Successful performance at interview
A personal statement, at least 500 words in length
One satisfactory reference (either an academic reference or a work-based reference)
We will also consider applicants with a lower level degree on a case by case basis where the applicant has significant work experience in relevant field (please provide your CV in your application).
Disclosure and Barring Service Checks (DBS)
You must also have a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check (including child and adult barred list check) and a Occupational Health Check - both of these are organised by the University.
For this course, you will be required to register for the DBS Update Service (information relating to this service can be found here). You will need to register for this within 30 days of your DBS certificate being issued. Registration with the DBS Update Service incurs a small annual cost which the University will reimburse.
If you do not register for the Update Service within 30 days, or your registration lapses, and you later attend a placement where this is a requirement, you will have to pay for a new DBS check, which will enable you to sign up to the Update Service. Please contact dbs@essex.ac.uk if you have any questions relating to this.”
A satisfactory Overseas Criminal Record Check/Local Police Certificate is also required, in addition to a DBS check, where you have lived outside of the UK in the last 5 years for 6 months or more. Where it is not possible to obtain an Overseas Check a relevant professional reference may be accepted
Interviews
Interviews will be via Zoom, details of which will be provided in advance.
Interviews and offers are made on a first-come-first-served basis until the available number of places are filled. After this, offers will be made for a place on the waiting list.
References
Don't worry if you cannot provide your reference when you make your application, as if we make you an offer you will be able to provide this at a later stage. Your reference should be recent and verifiable.
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Graduate Admissions team at pgquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.
English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum component score of 6.5
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Additional Notes
The University uses academic selection criteria to determine an applicant’s ability to successfully complete a course at the University of Essex. Where appropriate, we may ask for specific information relating to previous modules studied or work experience.
Fees and funding
Home/UK fee
£11,600 per year
International fee
£25,075 per year
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
We hold Open Days for all our applicants throughout the year. Our Colchester Campus events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex, and give you the chance to:
tour our campus and accommodation
find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
meet our students and staff
If the dates of our organised events aren’t suitable for you, feel free to get in touch by emailing tours@essex.ac.uk and we’ll arrange an individual campus tour for you.
We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.
For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.
We aim to respond to applications within two weeks. If we are able to offer you a place, you will be contacted via email.
For information on our deadline to apply for this course, please see our ‘how to apply' information.
Visit Colchester Campus
Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.
The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and
Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.
Ask us a question
Want to quiz us about your course? Got a question that just needs answering? Get in touch with us on live chat!
3.png?mw=300)
