Overview
Whether you're already working in the field, or a graduate who wants to make a difference in social work, our MSc Social Work degree course can help you improve your skills – and enhance your career prospects too.
On this course, you'll become a confident practitioner in the changing arena of social work. With an emphasis on professionalism, professional judgement, relationship-focused work and protection, you'll learn to work across the social work spectrum, with some of the most vulnerable people in society.
We'll provide the expertise and support so you can develop your professional practice. Once you graduate, you'll have the skills and techniques you need for a career in social work, whether in local authorities, healthcare settings, voluntary organisations or as a practice teacher.
Approved by:
This Master's course is a professional qualification for social work approved by Social Work England. Once you've graduated, you will be eligible to apply for registration with Social Work England, which means you can work as a professional Social Worker in statutory, voluntary and independent sector agencies.
What you'll experience
On this course you'll:
- Be taught by expert staff and researchers who are active in the social work field
- Learn through simulation, group work and skills workshops
- Study the theory and practice of social work, empowering service users and promoting inclusion, and legal and policy frameworks
- Understand how to work with children and families, mental health patients, people with disabilities and vulnerable adults
- Work closely with the University of Portsmouth Social Work Inclusion Group (SWIG), to help you understand service user experiences
- Practise your profession-specific skills in our Centre for Simulation in Health and Care, a safe and supportive environment which uses innovative technologies to simulate real-life scenarios
- Put your learning into action on practice placements
Work experience and career planning
We'll help you to identify opportunities that will complement your studies.
When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your social work skills to work.
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
What you'll study on this MSc Social Work degree course
Core modules in this year include:
- Core Skills Training Framework
- Inclusion and Co-production
- Legal and Policy Frameworks For Social Work
- Occupational Health Year 1
- Social Work Skills Days Year 1
- Social Work Theory, Methods and Skills
- Social Work Placement 1
Core modules in this year include:
- Contextualising Social Work Practice
- Dissertation
- Evaluating Research for Social Work
- Occupational Health Year 2
- Social Work Skills Days Year 2
- Social Work Placement 2
Teaching
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- group work
- work with service users and carers
- simulation work
- workshops
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- written
- oral or portfolio evidence
Careers and opportunities
When you graduate from the MSc Social Work degree course, you'll have the knowledge and practical skills to work in any branch of social work.
What jobs can you do with a Social Work degree?
Career opportunities include:
- social worker
- practice teacher
- care manager
- persistent offender coordinator
- family support worker
- housing adviser
- homelessness/substance abuse charities
- PhD study
We'll provide you with as much support as possible in finding employment through close industrial contacts, careers events, recruitment fairs and individual advice.
