University of Bedfordshire
Social Work Practice MA
University of Bedfordshire

Key Course Facts

Course Description

The Master of Professional Social Work Practice (Step Up to Social Work) course allows graduates holding the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Social Work Practice to progress to a full Masters award by undertaking a work-based research project.

This work-based course will enable you to gain the systematic and independent ability to critically evaluate current theoretical understanding and practice.

You will develop the skills needed to apply knowledge-informed and evidence based practice in the workplace, and have opportunities to undertake a piece of supervised research.

At the end of your studies, you will have achieved a nationally-recognised professional qualification in Social Work together with a postgraduate academic award.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 5.0
    • Foundation / Pathway Courses
    • 6.0
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Social Work Practice, MA, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Recruitment is governed by the Department for Education (DfE) and advertising and the initial application process is managed by the DfE. Standard University entry requirements apply but applicants must also meet the DfE and College of Social Work entry requirements as set out below.

International students are not eligible for this course unless they have indefinite leave to remain and access to public funds - and must have achieved IELTS Level 7 in order to be considered.

In order to be eligible for this course you must have a first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class honours) in any discipline, in addition, you must meet the Department for Education criteria of having experience of working with children, young people and families and demonstrate emotional resilience. As for any qualifying Social Work course all successful applicants must also have achieved GCSE grade C in English and Mathematics or an equivalent Level 2 qualifications (such as Key Skills level 2 in English and Mathematics).

The initial recruitment process will be managed nationally by the Department for Education and applicants will then be shortlisted and interviewed locally by regional employers and their partner HEIs, in this case the University of Bedfordshire.

The selection process will require you to demonstrate substantial relevant experience and an aptitude to work with children and families in need, i.e. the appropriate personal qualities, values and skills to be a social worker (i.e. the Professional Capabilities Framework at entry level). It will include a written task, group exercise, role play and personal interview in accordance with the College of Social Work guidance on recruitment.

You will be required to declare any previous offences (including reprimands and formal warnings) and any previous disciplinary matters, and if selected, you will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure your suitability for working with vulnerable groups. In addition you will need to complete a health declaration and give permission for contact with your GP, where necessary, to confirm your suitability for Social Work training and professional registration.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

Source: Own research based on surveys and university data

University Rankings

Positions of University of Bedfordshire in top UK and global rankings.

See all 16 university rankings of University of Bedfordshire

About University of Bedfordshire

The University of Bedfordshire is a publicly funded university located in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire, England. One of the main campuses, in Luton, is home to the university’s Business, Media, Art & Design, Science, Computing, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences schools. The Bedford campus is just a twenty minute walk from the town centre, and is home to the Primary Education, Secondary Education, Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, and Tourism schools.

List of 306 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Bedfordshire - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Bedfordshire

Total number of students enrolled at University of Bedfordshire by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
undergraduates:
10090
postgraduates:
3170
Total:
13260
Source: Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
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Where is this programme taught

Luton Campus
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Admission advice for international students