MSW Social Work

Upper second-class Honours degree, preferably in a social science discipline but graduates in other disciplines with an understanding of social sciences are welcome. Maths National 5 C/Applications of Mathematics National 5 C or above, and an English qualification at the minimum of SCQF level 5 or equivalent, is also required.

Applicants who do not have a Honours degree may be considered if they have extensive professional experience and can demonstrate academic ability at postgraduate level.

A minimum of six months of directly-relevant experience in social work, social care, community work or a closely-related activity is essential.

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Qualified social workers are increasingly valued. Promotion and career development opportunities are excellent. Social workers can be found in:

• local authorities – from main-grade workers to directorate level; social workers will be providing, managing, purchasing and organising services to people with diverse needs across the life span in different settings
• voluntary organisations – at all levels, usually working in relatively specialist ways with children and young people with particularly challenging needs, as well as vulnerable adults, especially those with learning disabilities and those affected by mental health issues; settings and contexts vary as widely as in local authorities
• private sector – often at senior practitioner and management level with services focusing on home-based support to vulnerable adults and residential services to older people as well as foster care support and services to people with offending histories
• central government – experienced social work managers advise and support ministers in monitoring and developing social work services
• social work regulation – a range of independent bodies, like the Care Inspectorate and Scottish Social Services Council employ social workers at a senior level to lead and manage registration and inspection of social work services to ensure they meet appropriate standards

Job titles include:

• Criminal Justice Social Worker
• Mental Health Social Worker
• Prison Social Worker
• Social Worker

Year 1
Semester 1
Human Development & Functioning
The Context of Social Work
Social Work Theory & Practice 1
Semester 2
Professional Practice 1

Year 2
Semester 1
Harm, Risk, Care & Protection
The Organisational Context
Social Work Theory & Practice 2
Semester 2
Professional Practice 2

Masters Dissertation