Social Work MSc (PGDip)

Course structure

The course consists of university-based teaching and 200 days of practice learning. In the first term, you’ll be introduced to foundational social work knowledge. This reflects the programme's focus on concepts from critical theory, systemic thinking and relationship-based practice – key components that facilitate development, enabling you to work effectively with service users and carers, whether it be through providing support, advocacy or protection.

The 200 practice learning days are comprised of:

• 30 developing skills for practice days delivered within the university
• a 70-day placement in year 1
• a 100-day placement in year 2. 

The final placement predominantly takes place within a local authority setting or an organisation that fulfils statutory functions. 

During each placement, learning is supported by periods of study at the university and small group tutorials, as well as directed and independent study. 

Throughout the course, there are also opportunities to work as part of a larger, interprofessional, group.  In the past, this has included working with students from other vocational courses, such as medicine, occupational therapy and education.

It is possible to take the PGDip as a standalone qualification in 18–21 months, usually for candidates supported by an existing employer, or as an early exit award for those registered on the MSc who choose not to take the dissertation module but who meet all other PGDip requirements.

Year 1

Year 1 introduces core skills, theories and approaches for social work practice and social work research, the underpinning knowledge that students go on to apply during their placement.  This knowledge base incorporates perspectives from across the social sciences, including psychology and sociology, enabling students to develop a holistic approach to practice – something supported by critical attention to social work values and ethics. 

During this first year, students complete a 70 day placement, based in an organisation involved with social work, social support, education or wellbeing.  Practice learning is supported by Practice Educators and Practice Supervisors, in addition to the tutorial support from within the university.

Lifespan Development
This module examines knowledge of human development across the lifespan.  It considers a range of bio-psychosocial perspectives and related knowledge frameworks, including systems theory, which help to inform and guide practice.

As an integral part of this, account is given to culturally diverse contexts and topics like (dis)ability; mental health; harm and abuse; inequality and discrimination – attending to how such knowledge might be critically applied and drawn on when in practice.

Legal and Policy Contexts of Decision-Making in Social Work
The module introduces students to the legal and policy contexts of social work practice, as relevant to Social Workers in England.  Critical analysis and application of knowledge to practice form a large part of the teaching, where issues of human rights, equality, justice, inclusion and partnership working are considered as essential to anti-oppressive engagement with service users. 

Practice Learning 1
Within this year-long module, attention is given to entering practice and the first practice placement. This starts with an introduction to the core tasks of social work and essential skills, theories and methods. The module then moves to centre on a 70 day placement in a social work or social work related setting which addresses Social Work England’s Professional Standards and other guidance from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), chiefly the Practice Capabilities Framework.

Critical Social Work in Practice and Research
This final year 1 module extends the learning undertaken in the early part of the course: it enhances the ability to critically engage with and evaluate situations involving competing demands, rights and values – both in terms of social work practice and social work research. As such, it develops key attributes such as critical thinking, research mindedness, systemic appraisal and decision making

Year 2

Year 2 builds on the learning already completed and is where students develop knowledge and skills for more specialist, complex and challenging practice.  Contemporary social work practice and preparation for employment are explored, to help prepare students for work after graduation. Research methods and methodologies are examined in depth as part of the dissertation for MSc students. Within this year, students gain a greater awareness of themselves as practitioners and undertake increased levels of autonomous and challenging practice. 

In this year students complete a 100-day placement, primarily offered within a statutory social work department or an organisation fulfilling statutory functions. Once again, practice learning is supported by Practice Educators and Practice Supervisors, in addition to the tutorial support from within the university.

Contemporary Social Work Practice
This module focuses on continuing professional development needs and acts as a bridge towards qualification, linking prior learning to contemporary practice issues. It reviews recent and emerging issues in social work practice; evaluates the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector and practitioners; provides a contemporary and critical overview of the functions of agencies involved in social work and seeks to enhance critical and reflective self-assessment.

Practice Learning 2
The second of two placement orientated modules. Within this year -long module, a 100 day placement is undertaken with regular recall days to university – the recall days allow students to connect via group tutorials and further skills development. This second placement centres on statutory social work tasks, as applicable to social work in England, with placements commonly taking place in Local Authorities with whom the university is partnered. Like, Practice Learning 1, this module addresses Social Work England’s Professional Standards and the Practice Capabilities Framework from BASW.

Research in Social Work: Dissertation (MSc only)
Running throughout the final year of the programme, the dissertation module offers students the opportunity to carry out an in-depth piece of research – into a specific area of practice chosen by them – either by undertaking a literature review or small-scale empirical project. The module develops the ability to carry out research independently and to evaluate research in order to inform practice (MSc students only).

Meet the team

Paul Teverson, co-course leader

Paul's research interests centre around how social workers make critical decisions in practice, particularly in respect of assessments of parenting, the use of self and reflection and personal vulnerability. He is interested in how systems and organisational culture, both in social work education and practice, facilitate or hinder this process. His work also consider attachment theory and trauma and the role they play in the individual development of social workers. Read Paul's profile.

Lucy Basterra, co-course leader

Lucy is a registered Social Worker and qualified Practice Educator with over 10 years’ practice experience in Brighton & Hove. After qualifying, she went on to specialise in supporting those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence, having a particular interest in understanding, and working with trauma. She has further experience working in substance misuse treatment settings where she designed and delivered the substance misuse training programme for B&H City Council. Before lecturing, she worked for the Fulfilling Lives Project, which was one of 11 programmes nationally that provided intensive and tailored support to people with multiple and complex needs, helping the most vulnerable and hard to reach. Read Lucy's full profile.

Other members of the teaching team:

• Jackie Lelkes
• Ian Dore
• David Watson
• Jem Price
• Sarah Wilkins

Course fees

Fees listed here are for the first year only. Further tuition fees are payable for each year of study. See the Info tab for more details.

Social work bursary information

The NHS Business Service Authority administers social work bursaries, for further information and to check your eligibility visit their webpage.

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2023–24.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Local area

Maps

Support and wellbeing

Sport at Brighton