Social Work, MA
Our MA will equip you with the knowledge and skills required for a career in social work, enabling you to register with Social Work England on successful completion of this course.
Our programme is taught by social workers with extensive experience of adult and child and family social work. We are committed to providing supportive and enriching learning experiences for students, in partnership with experts by experience and professional partners, who contribute to the delivery of our programme. Excellent relationships with partner agencies enable us to offer a wide range of placement opportunities, primarily in local authorities, but also in the voluntary sector and independent agencies.
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School
Location
Duration
- 2 years full-time
- 3 years part-time
Start month
September
2026/27 fees
To be confirmedWhat you should know about this course
What you will study
Please note - Our part-time mode is employment-based route only.
Please note - if you are pursuing an MA in Social Work you can receive funding either through an NHS bursary or a Postgraduate Loan (PGL), but not both.
About the course team
We are a team of social workers with a wide range of experience in child and family and adult social work. We are committed to delivering a high quality, supportive learning experience to students, that prepares them for challenges of contemporary social work practice. Our course is underpinned by a commitment to anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice, building on the unique contribution that each student brings in terms of individual qualities and life experiences.
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
- In addition, you will need: GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4/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. To apply for this course, please apply through UCAS. Our UCAS Course Code for the MA is L502.
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
Suitable applicants will be required to:
Complete an online assessment and attend an interview.
Applicants will also be required to:
- provide an academic or professional reference, demonstrate an interest in, or and understanding of, the course they are applying to within the personal statement;
- pass an Occupational Health check;
- pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
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.
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
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
2026/27 fees
To be confirmed.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.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so 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.
Duration: This programme is two years in length: the fee displayed is per year on a full-time basis. Further costs you may experience may include (but are not limited to):
Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies.
Please note - if you are pursuing an MA in Social Work you can receive funding either through an NHS bursary or a Postgraduate Loan (PGL), but not both.
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 adults, children and families in local authority or NHS teams, as well as in the voluntary and independent sector.
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.
Accommodation
Greenwich
Living in halls of residence is a great way to make new friends and get into the social side of university life. With four great locations, all minutes away from the campus and the centre of historic Greenwich , you will be at the heart of one of the most beautiful university settings in the UK.
Rooms start at £146.30/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-campus gym and 24-hour security - and just a 10-minute train journey to central London. Students based at our Greenwich campus can also choose to live the Student Village at Avery Hill, which is only a short ride on our free shuttle bus.
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 the Academic Skills Service, who provide both one-to-one and group support. The Faculty Librarian also offers help with accessing library resources and academic skills, such as referencing.
Support from the department
The Faculty Student Advice service is available to provide advice and support to students who may be facing challenges that are impacting on their studies, for example, bereavement, financial or family difficulties.
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