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Social Work MA/PGDip

Postgraduate
Conversion course

A group of students and a teacher sat around a table

Equip yourself with the skills needed for essential, impactful roles in social work, protecting children and young people from harm and supporting individuals of all ages.

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

2 years full-time (MA)
18 months full-time (PGDip)

Course code

HLST203

Start date

September 2025

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Course overview

Social work can be a rewarding profession supporting people of all ages in distress. Accredited by Social Work England¹, our MA/PGDip course meets government demand for a skilled workforce.

Key course content includes:

foundations of social work: explore the history, principles, legal frameworks, and ethical responsibilities of practice, building core skills and professional standards
specialist practice: focus on work with children, families and adults, emphasising safeguarding and addressing inequalities
professional development: cover critical reflection, leadership, research methods and a dissertation to enhance evidence-based practice.

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

Explore opportunities to assist individuals, groups and communities. Develop practical strategies to improve their situations and make a positive difference, protecting the vulnerable from harm and abuse or supporting people to live independently.
Recognised internationally, this social work qualification could be your stepping stone to working for local government, voluntary and third sector organisations, charities or non-governmental organisations
On successful graduation, you can apply to work in any area of social work, rather than simply qualifying for one area, such as childcare or mental health – a distinct advantage giving you greater flexibility in your career choices.
Gain practical experience through two practice placements built into the course. Develop your professional skills in real-world social work settings, working directly with individuals, families, and communities.^2,5

Accreditation and professional recognition

Social Work England

The course is approved by Social Work England for the 2025/26 intake. Approval by Social Work England means that once you graduate, you can apply to register with Social Work England (SWE) to start work as a qualified social worker.¹

Please refer to the Social Work England (SWE) website for full details.

Chartered Management Institute

Chartered Management Institute

As part of the MA course, you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice  at no additional cost. Please visit the CMI website for full details. Further details can be found under the module section and on the  Professional Development page.

What you'll study

In the first year, you will study core social work concepts, skills, and emotional dynamics, alongside a 70-day practice placement.² Your second year builds on this foundation with advanced applied learning, independent study and a 100-day placement² to deepen your professional development.

Modules

Introduction to Social Work - 10 credits

Understand social work as a practice that has been constructed over time within legal, policy and organisational schemes. Explore the challenges and conflicts between laws, policies, organisational structures and practices affecting different service user groups. Study key historical moments in social work, focusing on the political, economic and social factors that shaped its evolution. Examine current social work roles and responsibilities and the settings in which social work is practised.

Compulsory

Legal and Policy Frameworks for Practice - 10 credits

Learn how the law is relevant to social work practitioners and understand and apply key pieces of legislation. Explore the English Legal System and key items of legislation including the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005, and discuss and debate how laws are applied in practice, with input from practitioners.

Compulsory

Using Theories and Methods in Social Work Practice - 10 credits

Learn how social work shapes interactions between people and their social situations, including the effects of social divisions. Build a solid foundation in theories and methods to help you while on placement.

These theories and methods help you understand social work by uncovering hidden aspects of problems and responses. They provide tools to organise complex situations, decide where to focus your efforts and guide your actions.

Compulsory

Readiness for Practice - 10 credits

Ensure you meet the Professional Capabilities Framework (BASW) at the point of assessment of readiness to practice such as the required capabilities prior to first placement. Demonstrate a range of knowledge, skills and values to work well with service users and carers, work collectively as a member of an organisation and are open to learning and supervision to make effective use of your first practice placement. Demonstrate an awareness of the Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS) for Adults and Child and Family practitioners, alongside an appreciation of Social Work England's (SWE) professional standards and their relevance to social work practice.

Compulsory

Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan - 10 credits

Understand human growth and development from childhood to adulthood within both internal and external areas of development. Examine theories of human growth and development throughout the life cycle, and how, at different points people’s identities are shaped by their social, political, economic and cultural locations. Focus on how inequality, adversity and oppression can impact human development and affect people’s experiences.

Compulsory

Social Work Practice with Children, Young People and Families - 10 credits

Develop your understanding of social work with children, young people and families in a range of settings, including agencies and organisations operating in both the statutory and third sectors. Examine the laws and policies related to children’s safeguarding, recent developments and their impact on practice, and current themes in safeguarding. Build your knowledge, skills and understanding to apply a rights-based approach, focusing on relationship-based social work and strengths-based assessment models. Understand the impact of poverty, inequality and diversity in the lives of children, young people and families and how you may address this through your practice.

Compulsory

Social Work Practice with Adults - 10 credits

Understand the importance of individual wellbeing in professional practice under the Care Act (2014). It aims to develop the knowledge, values and skills needed to understand people’s situations, build relationships, and work with them, their families and carers to achieve positive outcomes. Build your skills in assessments, care planning and resource management to improve lives. It also supports providing personalised care to promote independence, manage change, understand risks and help people stay active in their communities. Address the impact of poverty, inequality, and diversity on health, wellbeing and family life, with a focus on safeguarding adults and empowering those who may lack mental capacity.

Compulsory

Social Work Practice 1 - 10 credits

Understand the role of the professional social worker in a range of practice contexts.^2,5 See effective communication to form appropriate relationships with professionals and service users. Critically reflect on your learning, to ensure you’re abiding by professional codes of conduct, ethical principles and social justice. Apply the laws, theoretical perspectives and evidence-based research to your practice. Critically reflect on the relevance of the Knowledge and Skills Statements (Department of Education and Department of Health) to social work practice.

Compulsory

Critical Reflective Practice 1 - 10 credits

You will be required to demonstrate an understanding of the role of the professional social worker in a range of practice contexts.^2,5 You will demonstrate, through effective communication, evidence of forming appropriate relationships with professionals and service users.

You will be expected to use critical reflection to inform your learning to ensure your practice is underpinned by professional codes of conduct, ethical principles and social justice. You will also apply your understanding of legislation, theoretical perspectives and evidence-based research to their practice.

The module will enable you to demonstrate the capability requirements for qualifying practice at the end of your first placement. You will be expected to critically reflect on the relevance of the Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS) to social work practice.

Compulsory

Modules

Social Work Practice 2 - 10 credits

This module will enable you to consolidate and develop your practice, achieved at first placement in a contrasting statutory, voluntary or independent social work or social care setting.^2,5 The module requires advanced integration and practical application of knowledge of social science, law and social work theory. You will be required to demonstrate that ethical principles of social justice and equality underpin your practice, through respectful working relationships with service users and carers. In addition, you will be required to demonstrate that you can work effectively within an organisational context, including multi-agency and inter-professional settings.

You will be required to enhance your understanding of the legal, policy and procedural frameworks that underpin your practice. The module will also require demonstration of professional and leadership development and the application of critical reflection, analysis and creativity, to more complex practice situations. You will be required to demonstrate an understanding of risk factors and appropriate responses to safeguarding vulnerable people.

The module will enable you to demonstrate the capability requirements for qualifying practice at the end of final placement. You will be expected to critically reflect on the relevance of the Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS) to social work practice in preparation for the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment.

Compulsory

Critical Reflective Practice 2 - 20 credits

Build on and expand your year one practice in a different statutory, voluntary, or independent social work or care setting.^2,5 Apply social science knowledge, legislation, theories and evidence-based research to your work, using critical reflection to ensure your practice aligns with professional codes, ethics and social justice. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively within organisations, including multi-agency and inter-professional settings, while showing leadership and critical thinking in more complex situations, with an emphasis on understanding risk factors and safeguarding vulnerable people. Meet the capability requirements for qualifying practice after the final placement. Critically reflect on how the Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS) apply to social work, preparing you for the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment.

Compulsory

Leading Strategic Change through Creativity and Innovation (MA Only) - 10 credits

Learn to manage change with creativity and innovation in various organisational scenarios. Develop leadership skills to successfully lead change by exploring strategies, creating strategic and implementation plans, and applying theories, models, and problem-solving techniques. Design an innovative framework for managing change and critically reflect on your learning, teamwork and ethical practices to support your ongoing professional development.

Compulsory

Research Methods for Professional Practice (MA Only) - 10 credits

Critically examine the research design and methodology needed to conduct a small-scale investigation into a specific professional practice-related problem/issue. Learn about qualitative and quantitative research, and gain skills to evaluate and appraise studies. Explore how evidence informs practice interventions, methods, and approaches.

Compulsory

Professional Practice Dissertation (MA Only) - 40 credits

Conduct a research project of relevance and potential benefit to professional practice. Show an understanding of the theory and principles of research at each stage in the research process. Enhance your professional capabilities through research training and develop your ability to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
individual and group projects
workshops
simulation
practice placement.^2,5

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time student on this course, you will study modules totalling 180 credits across two academic years. A typical 10-credit module requires a total of 100 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8-12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Practice-based learning

Practice-based learning forms an essential and significant part of your learning experience. Practice hours are typically within a 9-5 pattern but can vary depending upon the service that you are placed within. You will have access to university staff, but should expect to spend the majority of your contact time with practice supervisors and educators undertaking placement activity. Overall, the hours you undertake in practice-based learning will need to satisfy the requirements as set by the regulator Social Work England for 70 and 100 days.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include:

project reports
tests
essays
exams
practical coursework
assignments
portfolio viva
presentations
case presentations.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

An honours degree 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in any discipline.
A minimum of three months experience in the field of social care, health or education, to be evidenced by a work-based reference.
Occupational health assessment, to assess fitness to undertake the practice component of the degree.
Satisfactory health clearance, confirmation of vaccination status and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section.⁵
GCSE (or equivalent) Grades 4/C or above in English and maths.

Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification may be considered on an individual basis. You will need to demonstrate substantial work experience, either paid or voluntary, and show how your experiences, knowledge and skills will enable you to study at master’s level.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

South East Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

An honours degree 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in any discipline.
A minimum of three months experience in the field of social care, health or education, to be evidenced by a work-based reference.
Occupational health assessment, to assess fitness to undertake the practice component of the degree.
Satisfactory health clearance, confirmation of vaccination status and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section.⁵
GCSE (or equivalent) Grades 4/C or above in English and maths.

Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification may be considered on an individual basis. You will need to demonstrate substantial work experience, either paid or voluntary, and show how your experiences, knowledge and skills will enable you to study at master’s level.

English language requirements

IELTS: 7.0 overall, with no component lower than 6.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200	Not available
EU	£11,200 per year with EU Support Bursary £18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£18,600	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Alison Gingell Building

Use a realistic environment to practice interventions, assessments and communication skills in diverse, simulated scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications.

Delia Derbyshire Building

Make the most of our facilities, including advanced simulation spaces to practice real-world scenarios to improve practical skills and preparation for professional challenges.

Lanchester Library

Utilise the vast collection of resources, including e-learning books, journals, and multimedia. Get access to resources through the online catalogue 'Locate' and remote availability of titles.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

demonstrate the ability to practise effectively as a skilled person-centred social worker
learn to respect persons, and diverse organisations and communities, promoting social justice and combating processes that lead to oppression, discrimination, marginalisation, inequality and social exclusion
evaluate and evidence how to support people to gain, regain or maintain control of their own lives, choices and decisions, insofar as this is compatible with their own or others' safety, wellbeing and rights, fostering dignity, choice and independence and effecting change
engage in professional relationships with service users and carers that are characterised by openness, reciprocity, mutual accountability and explicit recognition of the powers of the social worker including statutory intervention
analyse, make and implement difficult decisions (including restrictions on liberty) in situations that involve the potential for harm, including critical reflection on ethical principles and dilemmas
critically evaluate how to deal with complex, multiple and sometimes contradictory accountabilities (for example, to different service users, carers, employing agencies, professional bodies and the public)
appraise and demonstrate modes of working collaboratively with other professionals in interdisciplinary contexts and demonstrate leadership qualities and professional autonomy
critically employ research evidence and knowledge from a range of sources (including theoretical perspectives and evidence from international contexts) to inform understanding and to underpin action, reflection and evaluation
develop creative and innovative responses to the social, political and economic challenges and demands of contemporary social welfare legislation, policy and practice
demonstrate a critical understanding and work within ongoing contested debates about the nature, scope and purpose of social work
critically evaluate the principles of developing and proposing strategy for leading strategic change
demonstrate understanding and ability in conducting small scale ethical social research.

Where our graduates work

Past graduates have benefited from our relationships with local employers who make up the West Midlands Teaching Partnership, and especially Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online. Please read the entry criteria page before applying.

Start your application

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Please read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degrees view our International hub.

You can also download our international mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks, you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is, therefore, unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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