Social Work, PGDip
Meet the challenges and difficulties of modern social work with practical solutions and advice by studying a Master's in Social Work.
Our master's in Social Work will help you to develop the skills and resilience to meet challenging roles. You will learn how to advise and support people at times of difficulty and deal with a wide range of problems. We offer a variety of inspiring and motivating learning activities led by academics, expert practitioners and service users. This involves the opportunity to learn with students from other health and social care disciplines.
By the end of the course, you will have developed your skills in line with Knowledge and Skills Statements for either adults or children and families social work. You will also have a vision towards the Assessed and Supported Year in Practice.
The MA Social Work at the University of Greenwich was approved in December 2020 in accordance with Social Work England Qualifying Education and Training Standards 2019.
We offer an employment-based route where applicants are sponsored by their social care employer to complete the course in three years. The employer would be responsible for finding the placement.
School
Location
Duration
- 2 years full-time
- 3 years part-time
Start month
September
Home/international fees 2025/26
TBC /TBC
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
Welcome to our MA in Social Work. We pride ourselves on combining high-quality teaching with world-class research and a vibrant student experience. All our team are qualified social workers.
Our teaching staff are research active in the field of social work. You will receive their academic support throughout the programme and be encouraged to publish your work in order to contribute to social work research and knowledge. This will form a basis for your continuing professional development (CPD).
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have:
- An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2.2 or above
- GCSE English and mathematics at grade C or above, or equivalent
- A minimum of one year's full-time or part-time experience or equivalent in a social care or advocacy related activity, either paid or voluntary.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
Candidates will be required to:
- Attend an interview at a Selection Day. We are able to conduct Skype interviews for international students.
- Take an online test.
- Obtain a reference from their manager or volunteer coordinator
- Students who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 in each skill) or an equivalent rating in another Secure English Language test.
- Applicants should either be eligible to apply for an NHS Social Work bursary (though there is now a cap on the number of bursaries) or be able to fund themselves or get funding from their employer.
*Please note references must be from a professional email address.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
We utilise innovative teaching and assessment techniques designed to get the best out of you, such as blended learning, group work, presentations, role play and online study tools, providing you with a valuable student experience.
You will learn online using a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This allows you to study flexibly, so you can arrange your studies around your other commitments. It also requires a lot of discipline and you will need to dedicate enough time to self-study.
Class sizes
The typical student enrolment numbers are around 38.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for coursework, presentations and exams. Our library and online resources will support your further reading and research. You can also join a range of student societies, including law and debating.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc), placement attendance, independent learning, and assessments. For full-time students, the workload should be roughly equivalent to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of modules you are studying.
Assessment
Assessment methods will include essays, exam (law), case studies, presentations, observation reports, portfolios, and practice documentation. Assessment may be related to the work you have completed on placement.
Feedback summary
Information coming soon.
Dates and timetables
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | TBC | TBC | N/A |
| International | TBC | TBC | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Duration: this programme is two years in length; the total fee of the programme for 2021/22 was £10,000 (Home) and £14,500 (International).
Further costs you may experience may include (but are not limited to):
- Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies, as well as specific computer software (estimate, £150 per year)
- Memberships: applying for membership of a professional body may incur further costs
- Field trips: you may need to contribute towards any trips required for your course (estimate, £300).
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
You attend two work placements: 70 days in year one and 100 days in year two. These are in contrasting settings and with groups of people with differing needs. We work with agencies across the public, private and voluntary sectors, training you on statutory tasks in practice. Some placement services include domestic abuse, drug and alcohol services, child protection, schools, adoption and fostering, mental health settings and the NHS. Partnerships are reviewed annually and may change.
How long is my placement?
The placements last for 70 days in the first year and 100 days in the second year.
What are the financial arrangements?
These placements are not paid. They are a learning opportunity where you will be under the guidance of a Practice Educator.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Social Work graduates can work with and support families and individuals who have challenging and complex needs, in a range of settings.
Do you provide employability services?
Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.
The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles. It includes CV clinics, mock interviews and employability skills workshops.
Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre. Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Support from the department
The University's student centre offers support to help you in your studies, but also to help maintain your wellbeing. You can also join societies such as the Social Work Society.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Health and social care at the University of Greenwich
You’ll learn from our expert, research-active tutors and be well supported during your work placement. You’ll benefit from great job prospects thanks to our strong links with NHS trusts and social care providers.
Visit our health and social care degrees page.
Health and social care degrees
Social work at the University of Greenwich
Strength and compassion are only part of what it takes to excel as a social worker. Study with us and you’ll gain knowledge, skills and experience to improve people’s lives and succeed in a field that has excellent job opportunities.
Visit our social work degrees page.
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