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The PG Dip/MA Social Work (Children & Families) at Bournemouth University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children, young people, and families in a variety of settings. This course focuses on the complex needs of vulnerable groups, including those affected by poverty, abuse, and neglect. Students will learn how to assess and intervene with these individuals, as well as how to advocate for their rights and promote their well-being. The program is taught by experienced practitioners and academics, providing students with a balance of theoretical and practical learning experiences. Graduates of this course are well-prepared to pursue careers in social work, including working in local authorities, charities, or independent practice.
The PG Dip/MA Social Work (Children & Families) at Bournemouth University is accredited by the Social Work England, ensuring that students are eligible to register as social workers upon completion of the program. The university also offers flexible study options, including part-time and distance learning, to accommodate students' varying schedules and lifestyles.
Bournemouth University is a leading institution for social work education, with a strong reputation for producing skilled and compassionate professionals. The university's location on the south coast of England provides students with access to a diverse range of social work settings, including urban, rural, and coastal areas. The university's commitment to innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary research also prepares students for the complex challenges of modern social work practice.
If you already hold an undergraduate degree and are interested in specializing in work with children and young people, this is the ideal social work course option.
This course is an intensive full-time training program that could see you start a career as a social worker in just 14 months while receiving a Department for Education bursary and course fees.
This generic social work qualification covers all aspects of child and family social work and working with adults required to be eligible for registering with Social Work England as a Social Worker.
You’ll have the option to continue your studies from a Postgraduate Diploma to a Master’s by undertaking a dissertation that will be self-funded
The Department of Education funds this course through local authorities, including Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council, and Wiltshire Council, with all applications being made directly to them.
Statutory placements throughout the course mean you will gain relevant experience operating in real-world settings and develop strong working relationships with those already in the profession.
You will need the following:
A degree-level qualification in any discipline except social work from a UK higher education institute or an approved overseas equivalent
a minimum 2:1 level 6 degree qualification, for example, an honors degree or a graduate certificate, or a minimum 2:2 honors degree plus a postgraduate qualification (level 7 or above), for example, a master’s degree or a postgraduate certificate/ postgraduate diploma
to have GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent)
to have completed your degree, final-year students are not eligible to apply
to show evidence of your qualifications (such as certificates) and be able to upload this to the application form – this is mandatory for overseas qualifications (please ensure you have relevant electronic versions to hand before submitting your application)
to have a minimum of 6 months full-time (or equivalent) direct experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, and families/carers or adults, either in a paid or voluntary capacity
to live in England
a driving license and use of a vehicle in some locations, or to confirm that you’ll be able to travel for work if you do not have a vehicle
to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
20 hours per week
Developing Professional Relationships in Social Work (Readiness for Direct Practice) for Social Work with Children and Families: You will develop knowledge and understanding of the essential personal and interpersonal skills needed to create effective relationships with the diverse range of people in our society. The Unit is underpinned by research and theory; Students will be expected to reflect on their communication patterns and what is needed for excellent social work practice. Reflection on their experiences will also provide the essential preparation students require to develop and demonstrate their readiness and safety to undertake practice learning in line with the national regulatory requirements.
The Child's Journey: You'll advance your knowledge and understanding of child development and behavior and different sociological and psychological explanations for this. You will be encouraged to consider the interplay of psycho-social factors in the lives of children and young people, exploring a range of influences on human development, including the impact of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and disability.
Law & Social Policy for Social Work with Children & Families: You will develop a critical understanding of the law and social policy, values and ethics, and considerations relevant to child and family social work. You will explore the implications of social work values and ethics and how they apply to promote the best interests of children and young people.
Applying Social Work Models and Methods for Social Work with Children and Families: You will gain essential knowledge on models and methods used in social work practice, mainly focusing on how these can be applied when directly working with service users. The Unit equips you with an understanding of social work's complex and multi-layered nature, including the challenges of practicing professional social work with a diverse range of social work service users and carers. The aim is to offer insight into various models and methods used in current social work practice using a problem-based learning approach. This includes using case studies and simulations to help the students translate theoretical knowledge into practical applications.
Parenting Capacity for Social Work with Children & Families: This Unit will help you develop an in-depth understanding of the multiple factors that contribute to parental mental health, substance-related and domestic violence-related problems, and, crucially, the impact upon the child, including child development.
Working with Children and their Families: In this Unit, you will develop knowledge and understanding of social work in the context of professional practice with children and their families, including responsibilities, analytical skills and knowledge, practical skills, and professional accountability in social work practice with children and their families. This Unit is underpinned by research and evidence-based judgments, and you will develop their understanding and competence in assessment and intervention. In addition, students must examine their beliefs and values about protection work and build on their previous learning in theory and practice.
Two Statutory Placements (70 & 100 days): You will gain essential practice experiences required to meet the regulations of the professional body.
IELTS (academic) 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each component or equivalent.
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