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The MA Social Work degree at Bournemouth University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social work practice, policy and theory. The course covers a range of topics including social work methods and techniques, research methods, and critical perspectives on social work. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about the diverse range of social work settings, such as children's services, adult social care, and mental health. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to reflect on their own practice and to develop their skills in critical thinking, reflection and evaluation. The course is delivered by experienced practitioners and academics, who have a wealth of experience in the field of social work. Upon completion of the course, students will be well-equipped to enter the professional field of social work.
The MA Social Work degree at Bournemouth University is accredited by the Social Work England, which means that graduates are eligible to register with the Professional Social Work Council and practice as a qualified social worker. The course also provides opportunities for students to gain practical experience through placements and fieldwork. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated social work laboratory and access to cutting-edge research resources.
Bournemouth University is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in social work. The university has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality social work education, with experienced practitioners and academics who are passionate about the field. The course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social work practice, policy and theory, as well as practical experience through placements and fieldwork. Additionally, the university's location in Bournemouth provides students with access to a diverse range of cultural, social and economic contexts, which can provide valuable learning experiences.
This course is ranked 1st in its subject area for the second year, according to the 2021 and 2022 Guardian League tables.
This practical degree blends a powerful combination of academic study with essential practical experience.
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.
Thanks to our close ties with neighboring local authority social services departments and local voluntary sector agencies, you can network with employers and potential future colleagues.
You’ll leave us equipped with the specialist knowledge and practical skills needed to deal with issues in areas including child protection, fostering and adoption, adult safeguarding, mental health, substance use, hospital discharge, and disability.
Newly built skills facilities include various simulated community home settings, allowing you to learn and practice before going on placement.
The standard requirements for embarking upon a postgraduate taught degree are:
A bachelor's Honours degree with 2:1 in any subject or equivalent.
Applicants with a 2:2 may be considered if they have relevant solid work experience.
20 hours per week
Law for Social Work: You will develop an understanding of the law and relevant social policy and, through your knowledge and harnessing relevant skills, be able to use knowledge of the law and social policy competently and creatively.
Applying Social Work Models and Methods: The unit will help you develop an understanding of the complex and multi-layered nature of social work with a strong focus on practical applications.
Developing Professional Relationships (Readiness for Direct Practice): This unit aims to facilitate the development of personal and interpersonal communication skills and explore and understand theories that will aid in applying these skills in professional practice. It incorporates preparation and assessment of your readiness for a direct approach through. In addition, it provides practical guidance, support, and knowledge to develop your capabilities against the Professional Capabilities Framework and the HCPC Codes.
Psychosocial Perspectives of the Life Course: You’ll develop an understanding of human growth, development, and behavior across the lifespan and different sociological and psychological explanations for this.
Professional Practice with Children and their Families: This Unit will be underpinned by research and evidence-based judgments. Students will develop their understanding and competence in assessment and intervention with children and their families. In addition, students will be expected to examine their beliefs and values in protection work and build on their previous learning in both theory and practice.
Professional Practice with Adults: This unit aims to prepare social work students for practice with adults in various settings, referencing contemporary social work practice issues. This includes approaches to intervention, the legislative framework which mandates training, professional accountability, applying critical thinking, working with risk and complexity, and the importance of evidence-informed courses.
First Substantive Placement: This practice-based unit provides essential practice experiences that you require in working toward meeting the regulations of the professional body.
Final Substantive Placement – This practice-based unit provides essential practice experiences that you require in working toward meeting the regulations of the professional body, including the opportunity to undertake statutory tasks and legal interventions.
Optional units:
Dissertation unit: The dissertation draws on conceptual, theoretical, and practical knowledge developed in other program branches. It provides the opportunity to consider existing knowledge in a way that is intellectually critical and has the potential to expand or redefine the application of existing knowledge and contribute to new approaches to practice.
or
Team Working for Service Improvement: This unit aims to enable students to develop the skills of working in small inter-professional groups to design and develop a service improvement or product to enhance the experiences of people who use services and their carers.
and
Critical Literature Review: You will undertake an intellectually challenging and in-depth literature review exploring a topic relevant to contemporary social work practice as grounded in evidence-based tradition.
IELTS (Academic) 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component or equivalent.
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