Professional Social Work Practice MSc

Course structure

A variety of modules may contribute to the make up of this award. Prospective candidates should see our social work CPD subject page for an indication of course content.

Visit the social work CPD subject page.

Modules

Modules

Core modules

• Research in Advanced Professional Practice

  This module offers qualified social work practitioners the opportunity to carry out an in-depth inquiry into an area of advanced practice. You will develop the understanding and skills to plan and carry out a small-scale qualitative research project. This will involve synthesising and integrating knowledge relating to practice; research theory and principles; and the competent design, planning and execution of a viable, ethical and realistic research project.

Options*

• Decision-Making and Partnership Working in Health, Social Work and Social Care

  In this module you will focus on issues in practice (collaboration and interprofessional practice; safeguarding vulnerable adults), a particular area of practice (learning disabilities; sensory impairment) or a specific method of intervention. You will analyse and critically reflect upon dilemmas within your own work-based context, addressing current law, policy, theoretical perspectives, good practice and research with a focus on own practice and agency context.

• Best Interests Assessor qualification

  You will develop the specialist knowledge and skills required for practising as a best interest assessor in the context of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (2007). Key to the module is the exploration of human rights, equality, social justice, diversity, discrimination and oppression. You will learn how to apply the relevant law and codes of practice and how to complete the required statutory documentation and procedures. 

• Social Work in Multidisciplinary Contexts

  This module explores social work practice in private, voluntary, independent or health-based settings working with complex issues such as mental health, substance misuse and/or homelessness, either with children and young people or adults. It considers issues of professional identity, the skills and knowledge that social workers use and the applicable value bases. The module will enable you to update your knowledge regarding the legal and policy framework and implications for practice.

• Social Work with Adults

  This module offers the opportunity to further develop your knowledge and critically reflect on social work practice with adults, including in mental health services. It supports the development of newly qualified workers (and others who want to update their knowledge) in their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment, focusing on more specialist knowledge and skills for assessment, decision-making and intervention with adults.

• Independent Learning for Advanced Practice in Mental Health or Social Care (40 Credits)

  The aim of this module is to enable you to thoroughly examine research evidence and other knowledge and theory relevant to your particular practice setting in order to support advanced, evidenced-based practice in challenging, complex decision-making when assessing need or providing services more generally. It encourages a reflective, critical and ethical approach to practice. For assessment, you will produce a 5,000-word article, as for publication, which explores the research and knowledge base of a specific practice issue.

• Critical Reflection on Practice

  This module supports your professional development by offering the opportunity to review your practice against the nine domains of the Professional Capabilities Framework for Experienced Social Worker as either an advanced practitioner or an educator/manager. You will focus on enhancing your knowledge and skills related to professionalism and leadership in complex/high risk practice or education management. Learning supports the growth of advanced reflective and critically analytic skills and career development.

• Enabling Social Work Through Emotionally Informed Practice

  This module enhances the knowledge and skills relevant to developing the practice of others, while promoting their emotional wellbeing and awareness. Its primary aim is to enable you to better support and develop the practice of others by using key principles of emotionally informed practice and strengths-based feedback. An emotionally informed approach provides increased focus on practitioner histories, emotional challenges and self-care.

• Independent Learning for Advanced Practice in Mental Health or Social Care (20 Credits)

  In this module you will develop your evidence-based practice by exploring research evidence relevant to your area of practice which can support, enhance and improve practice in complex situations. Content will be guided by your specific practice area; your responsibilities and interests within it; the requirements of your professional body; and recent developments in relevant policy and practice. Themes include the promotion of a reflective, critical and ethical approach to practice. You will produce a 3,000-word article, as for publication, exploring the research and knowledge base of a practice issue.

• Solution Focused Practice for Health and Social Care Settings

  This hands-on introduction to the key ideas, questions and techniques of solution-focused practice will help you understand how the approach was developed. It offers a safe and supportive space for you to learn and practice with peers, and includes video examples to show how the approach works in real situations. Through role play and small group discussions, you will explore how to use the approach in your own work settings and build your confidence in supporting and empowering others.

• Attachment Theory Informed Practice Across the Lifespan

  This module aims to equip social workers and professionals within related health and social care fields with an in-depth critical awareness of contemporary attachment theory and research. It is designed to inform your practice with vulnerable groups across the lifespan, particularly when thinking about longer term intervention work and trauma-informed approaches. This module will also consider developments within neuroscience, developmental trauma and related theories of attachment such as mentalisation.

• Social Work Practice Education, Assessment and Supervision

  The learning in this module is aligned to the Practice Educator Professional Standards (BASW, 2019) and will enable you to complete your development as a qualified Stage 2 Practice Educator, building on Stage 1 competency attained via previous training/experience. The module covers the four areas of practice as defined in the PEPS: organisation of an effective learning environment; teaching and facilitation of professional development; assessment; and personal professional development as Practice Educator.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Course fees

Please contact us for tuition fees for this course.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international postgraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• About the university’s fees by checking our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

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