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    Social Work - MA

    The MA degree in Social Work provides the training necessary for you to apply to register as a social worker in England. You will develop knowledge and experience through both university and practice settings to prepare you for a rewarding and challenging career. You will develop both the understanding, skills and competence to make a difference in people’s lives.

    Apply for this course via UCAS using the course code L501.

    Month of entry

    • September

    Mode of study

    • Full time

    Location

    Subject area

    • Ethics, Social work

    Fees for 2025/26 academic year

    • UK - Full time £9,100 per year.
      International - £17,700 per year.

    Duration of study

    • 2 years
    Apply now

    Why study Social Work at Keele University?

    Acquire the professional qualification to apply to register as a qualified social worker with Social Work England
    Benefit from significant hands-on experience through placements and skill development opportunities
    Develop decision-making skills to enable you to undertake evidence based social work practice in partnership with people with lived experience and colleagues
    Our research-informed programme is dedicated to the development of your personal and professional skills

    Course summary

    The course focuses on developing your skills to engage with a diverse range of people, both adults and children, to address complex life challenges and enhance wellbeing. This will equip you to work in an exciting profession, promoting the rights and wellbeing of people, families and communities, through establishing and maintaining the trust and confidence of those people while acting with professional integrity and promoting ethical practice.

    The social work programme meets current Social Work England Qualifying Education and Standards as well as Professional Standards and BASW. The programme and is led by research-active academic staff with contributions from social work practitioners, service users and carers as well as other professionals.

    By the end of the programme, successful graduates will be eligible to apply to register as social workers with Social Work England.

    Graduates from the MA programmes have consistently demonstrated high rates of progression into relevant employment.

    We also offer a Professional Doctorate in Social Work for already registered social work practitioners. More information is available at the following links:

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    Course structure

    This professional qualifying programme continues for two full calendar years (24 months) full-time, starting in September. Teaching methods include seminars, lectures, workshops and skills workshops employing a range of teaching and learning methods. All parts of the course are compulsory. The programme incorporates the following elements:

    180 Masters Level credits, of which 45 credits are awarded based on a dissertation and 135 credits through taught modules – these are to be passed at Masters Level, with a pass mark of 50%, for the award of MA;
    Assessment in line with the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) for Social Work comprises practice learning of 170 days and practice associated assignments all at Masters level.

    In Year one of the course you must demonstrate your readiness for direct practice for professional training in order to progress to the next stage of the award through satisfactory skills-based work and passing all academic work as well as maintaining personal and professional suitability. This first year will also introduce you to the general principles of social work. Year two aims to develop analytical, research and evaluation skills integrated with your developing practice, knowledge, skills and values. Each year includes practice learning in a social work setting (70 days in year one and 100 days in year two). 

    Modules

    The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

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    Entry requirements

    Academic entry requirements

    The following entry criteria must be met:

    • A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or overseas police check, and health checks are required to meet the Social Work England requirements for registration.
    • You would be expected to have some general knowledge of social services and broad social problems before you start your course. Although it is not a requirement for entry, relevant experience is recommended. You should possess a driver’s licence by the time of your first placement, to support your placement experience.

    Next steps

    Entry requirements

    The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don't see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications.

    Typical offer

    Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

    Typical offer: 2:2 degree in any subject Additional criteria apply

    Please select your country from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

    UK

    2:2 degree in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Bangladesh

    60% in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a public university
    or
    CGPA 2.8 in a 4-year degree or 3-year degree with a 2-year Master's in any subject from a private university
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience

    We don’t accept degrees from certain universities, please see our Bangladesh Country Page for more information

    You will also need: 3 in Higher or Intermediate Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Canada

    70% or C or a GPA of 2.5 in a degree (Ordinary or Honours) in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    China

    70% in a degree in any subject or 65% in a degree in any subject from a '211' university
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Ghana

    Second class degree in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: C6 in Senior School Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    India

    55% or CGPA 6/10 in any degree of three years or longer
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Kenya

    Second class degree in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: C in KCSE Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Nepal

    60% / 2.4 in a 4-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
    or
    65% / CGPA 2.8 in a 3-year Bachelor's degree in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: 40% or GPA 2.5 in the School Leaving Certificate or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Nigeria

    Second class degree in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: C6 in Senior School Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Pakistan

    We accept a range of qualifications from Pakistan. Please visit our Pakistan Country Page for more information


    or we will consider demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: 33% in Higher Secondary Certificate Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    South Africa

    Second class division 2 / 60% in a Bachelor's degree with Honours in any subject
    or
    Second class division 1 / 70% in an Ordinary Bachelor's degree in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: 4 in NSC Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Sri Lanka

    55% in a Special Bachelor's degree in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: C in O-level Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Uganda

    Second class degree in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Zimbabwe

    Second class degree in any subject
    or
    demonstrated relevant professional qualifications or experience


    You will also need: C in Ordinary Level Maths or 4 / C in GCSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

    Academic entry requirements

    The following entry criteria must be met:

    • A satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or overseas police check, and health checks are required to meet the Social Work England requirements for registration.
    • You would be expected to have some general knowledge of social services and broad social problems before you start your course. Although it is not a requirement for entry, relevant experience is recommended. You should possess a driver’s licence by the time of your first placement, to support your placement experience.

    English language requirements

    All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group D.

    References

    Normally, you will need to provide at least one academic reference to support your application unless you have been out of study longer than two years. If it has been more than two years since you last studied on a degree-level programme, you will normally need to provide an employment reference instead. For more information about Academic References, please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages.

    Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose

    Please see our Postgraduate how to apply web pages for guidance on what to include in your personal statement.

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which enables applicants to receive recognition and formal credit for learning acquired in the past through formal study or work and life experiences.

    RPL can also be requested for admission onto the start of a programme in lieu of the admission requirements. For more information, see our Recognition of Prior Learning web pages.

    General information

    The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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    Funding

    Eligible Social Work students can apply for one of a limited number of bursaries (grants) provided by the NHS Social Work Bursary fund. Further details can be found on the NHS Social Work students webpage.

    Going to university can be a daunting as well as an exciting experience. It can be difficult to understand the true costs of being a student, as well as the financial support that is available to help you meet those costs.

    We can help you to manage your funds, create a budget and ensure that you receive any funding for which you may be eligible. We also offer financial support such as the Keele University Hardship Fund and emergency loans.

    For more information visit our money, advice and guidance section.

    Living costs

    Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost-effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.

    Please note, if your course offers a January start date, the January 2025 start date falls in the 2024/25 academic year. Please see the January 2025 fees for the relevant fees for starting this course in January 2025

    Planning your funding

    It's important to plan carefully for your funding before you start your course. Please be aware that not all postgraduate courses and not all students are eligible for the UK government postgraduate loans and, in some cases, you would be expected to source alternative funding yourself. If you need support researching your funding options, please contact our Financial Support Team.

    Scholarships

    We are committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Please visit our bursaries and scholarships webpages for more information. 

    For continuing students, fees will increase annually by RPIX, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.

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    Your career

    Careers directly related to this degree include:

    • Social worker

    Careers where your degree would be useful include:

    • Careers adviser
    • Community development worker
    • Counsellor
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion officer
    • Youth worker

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    Teaching, learning and assessment

    This professional qualifying programme continues for two full calendar years (24 months) full-time, starting in September. Teaching methods include seminars, lectures, workshops and skills workshops employing a range of teaching and learning methods. All parts of the course are compulsory.

     

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    Keele Postgraduate Association

    Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

    KPA interior

    Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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    Our expertise

    The Social Work course is part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. When studying Social Work at Keele, you can expect the following:

    • Research-informed teaching
    • Limited class size
    • Personal tutoring system
    • International learning opportunities
    • Interdisciplinary teaching and professional development
    • Preparation for employment opportunities which embrace multi-disciplinary working

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