Social Work, MA

GCSE Level 4/C in English Language or Literature or equivalent including functional and key skill awards

Plus one of the following:

• Applicant with a 2:1 degree in any subject plus 3 months relevant work experience either full time/part time, paid or voluntary, in the field of social care, health or education (approx. 400 hours).
• Applicant with a 2:2 degree in any subject and a postgraduate qualification in any subject plus 3 months relevant work experience either full time/part time, paid or voluntary, in the field of social care, health or education (approx. 400 hours).
• Applicant with a 2:2 degree in any subject plus 6 months relevant work experience either full time/part time, paid or voluntary, in the field of social care, health or education. (approx. 800 hours)

Please note that references and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required prior to the commencement of study.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 7 or equivalent when you start the course is essential with no component below 6.5. 

Applicants holding degree level qualifications are still required to meet English qualification level criteria.

Interview

Applicants who meet the entry criteria will be invited to attend an interview with a member of the Social Work team, usually in conjunction with a person with lived experience, a practice educator or a local practitioner.

The Social Work programme selection process will consist of two parts. Firstly, you will be asked to complete a suitability declaration and a work experience statement. These will be reviewed and if you meet the work experience criteria you will be invited to attend an interview.

Professional conduct during the interview will contribute to the decision making regarding your application. Applicants must meet the interview threshold score to receive an offer.

Interviews are currently being conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Non-academic requirements

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

As part of the admissions process, applicants are required to go through our processes for the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Any criminal record declaration will be managed in accordance with the programme’s DBS process in a timely manner, with the aim of confirming an applicant’s suitability for the programme prior to enrolment.

We strongly advise that you opt for the DBS update service as it is possible that future placement providers may request a recent DBS and not one from the start of the programme. If you decide not to opt for this service then you will have to pay for the DBS again if requested by your placement provided – the university will not cover this cost. 

Suitability Declaration

You will be required to complete a suitability declaration before the interview that also enquires about health conditions. Please note that if we require a form of written medical evidence you will need to pay for this yourself. We may also ask you to attend a suitability assessment meeting.

You must meet and fulfil all non-academic requirements before 17 July 2023. Failure to meet this deadline may result in your offer being withdrawn.

Work experience

The range and types of work experience will be considered in the application process. We are able to consider some relevant course- based placement experience and some informal care experience as part of this requirement (such as that for which Carer’s Allowance is paid). You will be required to complete a Work Experience statement before the interview and this will be assessed in conjunction with your suitability declaration and interview score before you can be offered a place on the course.