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Social Work, MSW

  • Application Deadline
  • 21 months
    Duration

About

The MSW qualification is recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and The Health and Care Professions Council, and those who successfully complete the programme are eligible for registration as a social worker.

You’ll gain a fundamental understanding of the theory and practice that underpins all work in the field, splitting your time between theoretical learning on campus and practical work in various learning environments.

The Master of Social Work (MSW) programme at The University of Edinburgh is approved by the Scottish Social Services Council, complies with the Scottish Requirements for Social Work Training and enables you to meet the Standards in Social Work Education and the Key Capabilities in Child Care and Protection. It is also recognised as a professional qualification in social work across the world, including the United States and Canada.

Career opportunities

Successful completion of our MSW programme qualifies you to practise as a social worker.

For full details please see the MSW Accreditation information on School of Social and Political Science web site.

Many of our MSW graduates go on to work across a range of diverse settings in social work practice, training, research, government and in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

You will also develop a range of highly transferable skills, such as communication and project management, which can be applied to roles in any field.

Programme Structure

You will study over two years, with periods of practice learning in both years. You will complete six courses in your first year and three in your second year, at the end of which you will present your dissertation.

First year courses:

  • Social Work in Communities
  • Social Work with Individuals and Families
  • Understanding Care and Control in Social Work
  • Working with Self and Others 1: Skills, Theories & Methods
  • Doing Social Work Research
  • Professional Social Work Practice 1

Second year courses:

  • Working with Risk, Trust and Complexity in Social Work
  • Professional Social Work Practice 2
  • Dissertation

Detailed Programme Facts

  • More details: Although this is a postgraduate programme, applications are submitted via the UCASundergraduate system rather than through UKPASS. 
  • Programme intensity Full-time
    • Full-time duration 21 months
  • Languages
    • English
    Schedule TOEFL® Schedule IELTS
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

English Language Requirements

You only need to take one of these language tests:

  • Minimum required score:

    100

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

    Schedule TOEFL®

  • Minimum required score:

    7

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    Schedule IELTS

    Studyportals Tip: The UK government has confirmed new English-language testing requirements for visa and immigration purposes. Learn more

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: Upper Second Class

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

General Requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, is preferred. Applicants holding or predicted less than a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) with additional qualifications and/or substantial relevant experience may also be considered.

You must be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience of social work and a sound motivation to train as a social worker through a period of paid or voluntary work in a social care/social work settings or any settings that allowed you to work with people in need. You will normally have at least six months of work experience at the time of applying.

We may also consider your application if you have other voluntary or work experience.

Tuition Fee

  • International

    21600 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 21600 GBP per year and a duration of 21 months.

  • EU/EEA

    10700 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 10700 GBP per year and a duration of 21 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for Edinburgh

  • 725 - 1170 GBP/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

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