MSc in Social Work

• Complete the training necessary to register as a social worker
  • Two placements matched to your aptitude and experiences
  • Opportunities to learn from service users, carers, and professionals
  • The programme is approved by Social Work England

Social Work at Winchester is a professional qualification covering the main knowledge, skills and values essential for practising as a newly qualified social worker. Successful completion of this programme makes you eligible to register as a social worker with Social Work England.

You cover the key knowledge base of social work – social policy, legislation, aspects of psychology and sociology, social work theory, and social work methods and communication. The course provides an introduction to the development of professional identity and the acquisition of professional values. You discuss the complexities and importance of interprofessional working; develop an understanding of the importance of sociological and psychological perspectives across the life course; and gain a critical understanding of different types of interventions underpinned by legislation and social policy. There is a key introductory module which enforces the concept of professional, reflective practice and professional boundaries.

You complete two practice learning placements – 70 days in the first year and 100 days in the second year. Each placement is matched to your needs, aptitude and experiences. Upon completion of the course, you have a good knowledge of risk and assessment, a clear sense of the opportunities and demands of being a professional social work practitioner, and the skills and knowledge required at a newly qualified level.

Core modules include Psychological Perspectives of the Life Course, The Legal and Professional Knowledge Base of Social Work, Social Work Methods and Interventions and Social Work Practice in Contemporary Society.

Masterclasses offer the chance to learn alongside external practitioners and there are strong links with partner agencies who provide both practice placements and contribute to the teaching and development of the course. Service Users and Carers contribute to your learning throughout the programme.

Accreditation

This programme is approved by Social Work England which means you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker on successful completion of the course.

Our MSc Social Work programme will be undergoing Social Work England's reapproval process during 2022/23.

The University of Winchester empowers students to reach their full potential and make a difference in the world. Set in Winchester, a beautiful, quintessential English city with a rich heritage and vibrant contemporary culture, the university’s friendly and compact campuses give students the benefit of city and campus living. We are well situated with excellent transport links allowing you to reach London or the coast in an hour, and Southampton Airport is just a 10-minute train journey away.

The university offers a selection of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that are taught across our five faculties:

• Faculty of Business and Digital Technologies: A modern, forward-thinking faculty offering a range of disciples including Accounting, Economics, Business Management, Computer Science and Marketing.
• Faculty of Education and the Arts: Has a long and established history of providing high-quality degrees, and is home to the Institute of Education, Department of Education and Childhood Studies, Department of Performing Arts, and School of Media and Film.
• Faculty of Health and Wellbeing: Outstanding degrees that are committed to progressing health and well-being for all life. The faculty includes Nursing, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Animal Welfare and Sports degrees.
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences: Passionate about what makes us human, we offer research-led teaching and outstanding support in Anthropology; Archaeology; History; Psychology; Social Sciences including Politics and Geography; Philosophy; English and Creative Writing.
• Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice: Bringing together the department of Law and the department of Policing, Criminology and Forensics, the faculty uses an interdisciplinary approach to offer a dynamic range of degrees that offer the use of specialist facilities.