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Postgraduate MA
Social Work
Gain the latest updates on legal issues affecting social work policies and how they affect the different methods and approaches used.
Course Overview
-
L508 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
2 Years -
18 Sep 2023
Train to be a qualified social worker and gain a thorough grasp of the knowledge, skills and values that sit at the core of this rewarding career. Recognising the powerful links between personal and political issues, the course will assert the need to challenge inequality and safeguard vulnerable people.
In your first year, you will study the legal frameworks, policies and theories - in particular psychosocial perspectives - that underpin social work. A practice placement will offer you the chance to hone your communication skills as you start to apply your knowledge in the field.
In your second year, you will continue to extend and refine your understanding of the law. You'll also undertake a second practice placement and complete a dissertation.
This course was approved by the previous social work regulator, the Health and Care Professions Council. From 2 December 2019, responsibility for the approval of courses transferred to Social Work England. This course remains approved by Social Work England. This means that people qualifying from this course can apply to become a registered social worker.
Our course has an emphasis on practice learning and you will undertake two placements - 70 days and 100 days respectively - over the length of the course. These can take place in a variety of settings, giving you important hands-on experience.
We've established close partnerships with local agencies that will provide you with rich and varied practice learning opportunities. This allows you to develop your professional skills - including undertaking statutory duties - within a supportive environment and with a highly qualified tutor and practice educator support.
Why study Social Work at Leeds Beckett University...
- 92.3% of students from MA Social Work were in work or further study 15 months after graduating*
- Approved by regulatory body
- Fantastic placement opportunities
- Expert teaching team
- Close connections with local authorities and organisations
- Specialist facilities
- Part-time study option
* 2018/19 graduating students, Graduate Outcomes
MA Social Work | Student view Student Shasheena discusses her experiences studying at Leeds Beckett University.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least an upper second class honours degree.
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
Applicants with a lower second class (2:2) will be considered on an individual basis depending on their experience. Applicants should have at least 3 years relevant experience having worked in social care, community and third sector organisations supporting individuals , families and communities. Ideally the experience should involve leadership or mentoring within the workplace. Examples of relevant experience would include working as a Family Support Worker with case holding responsibility in a Local Authority or working as a senior support worker within a third sector organisation e.g. a homelessness project.
Additional information about the application process and frequently asked questions can be found in the course guidance booklet.
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least an upper second class honours degree.
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.
Applicants with a lower second class (2:2) will be considered on an individual basis depending on their experience. Applicants should have at least 3 years relevant experience having worked in social care, community and third sector organisations supporting individuals , families and communities. Ideally the experience should involve leadership or mentoring within the workplace. Examples of relevant experience would include working as a Family Support Worker with case holding responsibility in a Local Authority or working as a senior support worker within a third sector organisation e.g. a homelessness project.
Additional information about the application process and frequently asked questions can be found in the course guidance booklet.
International baccalaureate
Interview Required
We conduct interviews as part of the admissions process and suitable applicants will be invited to an interview.
Interview sessions will be held online and will involve an individual interview, a written assessment and a group work exercise. Applicants will be required to provide photographic ID (Passport, Driving Licence) and original certificates for all qualifications awarded to date. If you do not possess your original certificates, we recommend making arrangements to obtain copies in preparation should you be invited to a selection day.
IELTS
IELTS 7.0 with no skills below 6.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
You would normally need relevant social care experience and be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Social Work profession. You will need to relate your experience to the contemporary setting in which Social Workers operate. You will also need to provide a social care reference.
If you are successful at this stage will you be invited to an interview day.
References:
All applications should be supported by a second reference in addition to that supplied on your UCAS form. You will normally be required to submit an academic and a social care reference.DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Health Check
For certain Professional Body courses, Occupational Health checks are also part of the entry requirements. Applicants will be asked to complete an on-line Health Questionnaire and sent guidance and links on how to complete this following your offer of a place.
Mature Applicants:
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. If you have recent relevant work experience and/or professional qualifications, we may be able to consider you for entry through our ‘Recognition of Prior Learning’ policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and relevant work experience in your application.
All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Our silver status in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
Focus on the social work communication and engagement skills that will enable you to demonstrate your readiness for direct practice with service users and carers.
Explore key policy issues and legislative frameworks in statutory social work with adults, identifying the challenges of empowering and person centred practices with a range of adult social care user groups.
Understand the professional, ethical and legal principles that underpin social work with children, young people and their families.
Explore the use of research in social work and how research evidence can be critically applied to support evidence-based practice.
Undertake a 70 day placement in a local agency providing social care services, testing your own capability to undertake a range of relevant social work roles in predominantly less complex situations with supervision and support.
Develop your knowledge of key methods, approaches and evidence-based practice within modern social work, analysing the applicability of identified methods of intervention within a range of contexts and across different service user groups.
What you'll learn
Critically examine the professional, ethical and legal principles that underpin social work with vulnerable adults and children, both in the statutory and third sector. You'll explore the relevance of power and the organisational context for ethical decision making in social work practice.
Explore the use of research in social work and how research evidence can be critically applied to support evidence-based practice.
Undertake a 100 day placement in a local agency providing statutory social work services, testing your own capability to undertake a range of relevant social work roles in more complex situations.
What you'll learn
Evaluate an area of social work practice in depth, identifying your own learning outcomes. You'll critically analyse legal and policy imperatives, theoretical perspectives and professional role in an area relevant to your practice learning.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£6,750
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £6750. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£16,000
International 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£6,750
For students entering in 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £6750. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout your course. If you are a UK student, you may be eligible for an NHS work bursary for the full-time MA route and a contribution towards placement expenses. If you are a part-time student, you may be eligible to receive the bursary in three instalments over three years. Bursaries do not include a travel component. Overall, this is the same amount that full-time students receive over two years. Bursaries are limited each year, and bursaries for part-time students are only awarded when sufficient bursaries are available. You may also be eligible for a Child Dependant's Allowance and Exceptional Support Funding dependent on your circumstances. Visit the NHS Learning Support Funding web pages
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health (OH) check: the cost of these checks is currently covered by your course fee. If you do not attend your OH appointment or cancel with less than 3 working days' notice you'll be charged a £25 fee. If you fail to attend more than one appointment, you'll be referred to the Course Director. Non-compliance with this process will be managed through application of the University's Fitness to Practice Policy and Procedures
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,000
For students entering in 2023
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2023/24 is £16000. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout your course. If you are a UK student, you may be eligible for an NHS work bursary for the full-time MA route and a contribution towards placement expenses. If you are a part-time student, you may be eligible to receive the bursary in three instalments over three years. Bursaries do not include a travel component. Overall, this is the same amount that full-time students receive over two years. Bursaries are limited each year, and bursaries for part-time students are only awarded when sufficient bursaries are available. You may also be eligible for a Child Dependant's Allowance and Exceptional Support Funding dependent on your circumstances. Visit the NHS Learning Support Funding web pages
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and occupational health (OH) check: the cost of these checks is currently covered by your course fee. If you do not attend your OH appointment or cancel with less than 3 working days' notice you'll be charged a £25 fee. If you fail to attend more than one appointment, you'll be referred to the Course Director. Non-compliance with this process will be managed through application of the University's Fitness to Practice Policy and Procedures
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
92.3%
of students from MA Social Work were in work or further study 15 months after graduating
Dr David Mercer
Course Director / School Of Health
Dr David Mercer oversees the organisation and management of the social work programmes. He is a registered social worker who worked within adult social care settings. David's teaching focuses on adults, professional skills for practice and sociology and social work. He is a published social work author and his research is around resilience within social work. David is passionate about social work as a profession that supports social justice.
Career Prospects
In the final year you will focus on employability and transition into qualified practice, preparing you for future career opportunities. The vast majority of our students successfully gain employment in a range of social care organisations, and some have accessed traineeships during the course. Previous students have secured positions within Leeds Social Care following placements with the agency.
- Social Worker
- Community Development Worker
- Probation Officer