Social work

You’ll be an integral part of our Social Work and Social Justice division which is underpinned by activism, internationalism and research. We’re proud to be champions of social justice and progression. If you’re hard working, adaptable, honest and, above all, passionate about finding long-term solutions and supporting positive changes for children, adults and families, then welcome home.

When you choose to study with us, you'll gain more than just a qualification. You'll be part of our learning community, and we've got plenty to offer. Check out our facilities, and find out more about the School of Health and Social Care here.

With 98% of our undergraduate Health and Social Care graduates in highly skilled employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes, 2022), we're confident that on completion of your course, you'll have a choice of jobs to choose from.  Successful completion of our BA Social Work degree leads to eligibility to register with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker. You'll be qualified to work with a wide variety of client groups, their families and others around them to support them to live independently and to protect them from harm.  We recommend researching the role of a Social Worker as part of your preparations for applying for this course.  There are a number of sources you might find useful including the NHS Careers and Social Work England.

Make a choice that will lead to big changes.  Not just for you, but for all those you work with and advocate for.

Studying MA Social Work with us means you'll gain far more than just eligibility to register as a qualified Social Worker - you'll develop your knowledge and skillset to analyse intersecting injustices, and crucially, you'll have the toolkit to collaboratively build better futures for your clients. 

Here at Essex, we pride ourselves on offering a postgraduate route into social work which is underpinned by interprofessional study with the School of Law.  We firmly believe that social work is a human rights profession, and it's important to take a global outlook when looking for examples of best practice.  If you're looking for a rewarding career that is a practical application of human rights, this could be the course for you.

With 100% of our graduates in highly skilled employment or graduate-level further study (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021), we're confident that on completion of your course, you'll have a choice of jobs to choose from.  Successful completion of our BA Social Work degree leads to eligibility to register with Social Work England as a registered Social Worker. You'll be qualified to work with a wide variety of client groups, their families, and others around them to support them to live independently and to protect them from harm.  We recommend researching the role of a Social Worker as part of your preparations for applying for this course.  There are a number of sources you might find useful including the NHS Careers and Social Work England.

Join our Social Work and Social Justice division and you'll experience an engaging, stimulating environment in which to pursue your research interests.

Our Professional Doctorate courses lead to a specialist qualification that is appropriate if you are in, or aspiring to, a senior professional appointment in education or management in health or social care.  We also offer PhD Social Work.  

When you choose to study with us, you'll gain more than just a qualification.  You'll be part of our learning community, and we've got plenty to offer. Check out our facilities, and find out more about the School of Health and Social Care here.

Our research is organised into four research groups: Public health and social policy, Assessment and management of neuro-developmental and acquired disorders, Physical and mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan, and Pedagogy research for health and social care.  Explore each group to find out more about our current projects and doctoral research, as well as a list of our academic staff, research staff and postgraduate students associated with each group.

Do you know about our scholarships and studentships?

Find out more about our university wide funding.