What social work research is happening in the University?

The School for Policy Studies has an outstanding national and international reputation for the quality and quantity of research in social work as well as in social policy. The social work team is actively involved in many research studies.

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Do many mature students undertake the course?

Social work is an exciting career for a wide range of people of all ages, and this is reflected in the breadth of backgrounds of our social work students. The broad age-range represented by our student cohorts is a very positive aspect of our programme as it allows for collaborative exchange of ideas and peer learning.

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How much previous experience do I need and in what fields of work?

Six months experience is the minimum requirement; this can be from a mixture of full or part time and can be paid or voluntary. See our relevant experience (Office document, 36kB) document for more information.

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How will my work be assessed?

Most of the units are assessed by extended essays, case studies and / or presentations which are designed to apply theory and research to practice and policy. There are two examinations; a Law exam and Human Development exam. Practice placements are assessed jointly by skilled and experienced practice educators, practice supervisors and a member of the university staff. You will be required to compile a portfolio of work based on your practice with service users and carers, including critical reflections and structured observations of your work. These portfolios are reviewed by a Practice Assessment Panel (PAP), a team of people who represent partner agencies, the Service User and Carer Forum, and the University. The programme concludes with a research-based dissertation project.

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How is the practice placement organised?

There are two placements, the first is 70 days and second is 100 days. Practice placements are arranged by the practice learning co-ordinator in partnership with social work and social care agencies.

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Where will the practice placement take place?

The placement co-ordinators negotiate placements for students in partnership with local authority, voluntary and independent sector providers. At least one of your placements will be in a practice setting where you will be able to learn about statutory social work tasks and skills and subsequently to demonstrate your capability in these respects. The university’s partner agencies are Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, Somerset County Council and South Gloucestershire Council. We also collaborate with other neighbouring authorities in the South West and have a number of established links with Voluntary and Independent Sector agencies across the region.

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Can I do a placement overseas?

Opportunities for overseas placements are not normally part of the University of Bristol social work programme.

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How much academic and/or personal support can I expect from both the University and the course staff?

All students are allocated a personal tutor for the duration of the programme. For each practice placement, students have an approved practice educator/assessor and a practice supervisor (these can be the same person) who, together with the student and personal tutor make up the student’s Practice Learning Team.

The University of Bristol also has a comprehensive network of student services which will ensure you have access to support for all aspects of university life – academic, personal and practical.

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I am an international student, can I apply?

As an international student, you are welcome to apply. It is important for you to note that:

• The programme prepares you for registration as a social worker in England. Although British social work has a very high reputation internationally, registration procedures differ in Western countries and separate applications will usually be required with evidence of your qualifications.
• You will be expected to demonstrate, in your application and interview (which will be carried out online), a basic understanding of social work in Britain through previous reading and research.
• The social work busary is not available to international students. For information about our international scholarships, see the Social Work fees and funding page.

What support is available for students with young children or other caring responsibilities?

The MSc Social Work is a full-time, intensive and demanding programme. It has been designed, as far as possible, to allow for students to study whilst still meeting family commitments. However, we encourage prospective students to discuss the requirements they may have, together with associated practicalities, particularly in view of placement allocation. Please note that quality placements are at a premium and that it is important to be flexible.

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Will I get any credits for previous academic experience?

If you have successfully completed postgraduate level modules on another social work education programme, you should discuss your situation with the admissions tutor, who may be contacted via sps-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk. Please note that you cannot count academic credits gained on a programme for which you have already been awarded a degree.

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Can you recommend any pre application reading?

There are quite a few books about social work on the market, and many interesting articles and papers you can access on the internet, such as:

• British Association of Social Workers
• Community Care
• Children and Young People Now
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation
• Social Care Institute for Excellence.