Social Work MA/PGDip

Study level: Postgraduate
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Social Work MA/PGDip is the course for you if you're interested in working with people and taking an essential role in protecting children and young people from harm and in supporting people of every age.

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

At Coventry University, we continuously review the courses we offer to ensure we reflect industry-relevant emerging best practice and technology. As a result, this course is undergoing continuous improvement assessment and will be launched with a renewed curriculum starting in September 2025. Module content and titles will be updated. Course title, learning outcomes and assessments may also change. We expect our new curriculum to be fully updated by January 2025. Please return to this page to see the final course details.


Course overview

Social work is a rewarding profession which enables you to work with and support individuals, families and communities of all ages who face difficulties or distress in their lives.

Currently accredited by Social Work England1, our MA/PGDip programmes have been developed in line with government recommendations in response to the demand for a highly skilled workforce.

  • Grounded in practice, this course will enable you to build on your existing academic, work and life experiences in order to achieve the professional social work qualification1.
  • You will undertake two placements2 of 70 days and 100 days (sourced by the university)2.
  • Our high-quality teaching emphasises the knowledge, skills and values of social work; especially the importance of research-informed, person-centred and relationship-based practice.
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Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

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Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

  • Social work is a highly rewarding profession that requires human compassion. Social workers work with people experiencing difficulties and deal with many complex issues arising, for example, from poverty or relationship problems.
  • Your role is to assist individuals, groups and communities to 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. It allows you to give something back to society.
  • This course engages the head, the heart and the hands because theoretical knowledge, skills and practical experience and values of human compassion are all essential requisites of an effective social worker. The course provides you with rigorous academic study and a professional qualification upon successful completion of the course.
  • We have been educating social workers for over 50 years and this course is professionally accredited by Social Work England1. On successful completion of this MA or PGDip in Social Work you will be eligible to apply to register as a social worker. (Additional costs may apply, please see Accreditation1 and Professional Recognition section)
  • Recognised internationally, the British social work qualification allows you to apply to register for practice as a professional social worker on completion, working for local government, voluntary and third sector organisations, charities or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) (additional fees may apply).
  • Upon graduation you will have the opportunity to apply to work in any area of social work, rather than simply qualifying for one particular area, such as childcare or mental health – a distinct advantage giving you greater flexibility in your career choices.
  • This course has been updated to reflect contemporary trends in social work practice, both locally and nationally. The course team have been actively engaged within the West Midlands Teaching Partnership, to improve all aspects of the delivery, including placement and employability.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course has been accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Social Work England

Social Work England

Regulation of the social work profession is by Social Work England (SWE). These courses have been designed to comply with SWE’s requirements and are currently undergoing re-approval by Social Work England. If there is any change to the approval status we will seek to inform applicants.

On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to register with Social Work England to practice as a professional Social Worker (additional costs may apply). We also encourage you as students on this course to become members of the British Association of Social Workers (additional costs may apply). Please check with the membership body for 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.


Hear from social worker Joshua Burnall on what it's like working to help children and families day-to-day.


What you'll study

Year one contains a series of modules introducing you to the core learning required in social work education. The suite of teaching aims to provide you with baseline concepts and skills development in preparation for assessed practice, including an innovative new module exploring emotions in social work. You will also complete your first placement of 70 days duration2.

All modules are mandatory.

Modules

The second year is designed to mark your development of knowledge, skills and behaviour, marked by the larger second practice placement of 1002 days. You will follow a trajectory of academic study, focusing on applied work, and particular emphasis on independent study at master’s level.

All modules are mandatory unless stated.

Modules

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

Our broad range of knowledge and skill within the team is reflected in our diverse teaching methods. You can expect to experience large group sessions, personal development groups, individual and group tutorial and some online content.

Teaching and learning foregrounds current practice and the courses incorporate the significant involvement of current social work practitioners and people who have used social work services. While on placement, you will work closely with and be fully supported by a qualified social work practitioner.


Teaching contact hours

During year one you can expect to spend approximately 3.5 days per week at the university during term time from September to December, and January to April. The placement between April and July should involve full-time attendance (around 35-37.5 hours per week). In year two, the placement between September and February should involve full-time attendance (around 35-37.5 hours a week).

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

Assessment on the programme mirrors the diverse teaching methods with an approach to meet various skills and competencies as required by the regulation of the programme. This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Assignments
  • Reflective logs
  • Portfolios
  • Class tests
  • Practical skill demonstration
  • Vivas.

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.


International experience opportunities

Each year the university may offer international experiences, and social work students have previously visited Finland and the Netherlands.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:1 or above in any discipline, and must have a minimum of 3 months (or equivalent) experience either full time/part time paid or voluntary in the field of social care, health or education. This must be evidenced by a work-based reference.

Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification may be considered on an individual basis and will need to demonstrate substantial work experience either paid of voluntary and demonstrate how their experiences, knowledge and skills will enable them to study at master’s level. This will be at the discretion of the Admissions Tutor.

Additional entry requirements

  • Occupational health assessment, to assess fitness to undertake the practice component of the degree.
  • Criminal record check, via Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service or equivalent for non-UK residents5.
  • All successful candidates will be expected to have Key Skills level in English and Mathematics. This is equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C or above.

Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section5.

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

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

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

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:1 or above in any discipline, and must have a minimum of three months (or equivalent) experience either full time/part time paid or voluntary in the field of social care, health or education. This must be evidenced by a work-based reference.

Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification may be considered on an individual basis and will need to demonstrate substantial work experience either paid of voluntary and demonstrate how their experiences, knowledge and skills will enable them to study at master’s level. This will be at the discretion of the Admissions Tutor.

Additional entry requirements

  • Occupational health assessment, to assess fitness to undertake the practice component of the degree.
  • Criminal record check, via Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service or equivalent for non-UK residents5.
  • All successful candidates will be expected to have Key Skills level in English and Mathematics. This is equivalent to GCSE grade 4/C or above.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 7.0 overall (with at least 6.5 in each component area)

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.

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Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £11,200 (MA) | £7,466 (PGDip)  
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £11,200 (MA) | £7,466 (PGDip) per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees -£18,600 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees -£18,600  
Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and 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.

Social Work Bursary

A Social Work Bursary may be available to eligible home students for each year of study to help with living and travel costs. Read more about the Social Work Bursary.


Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

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The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities, dedicated careers advice and Your Students’ Union.

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Jaguar Centre

The Jaguar Centre has been specifically designed to provide facilities and services to support our postgraduate students including social spaces, computer suites and separate areas for small group study.

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The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student campus life. It's also home to the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Spirituality and Faith Centre, the Tank Studio, Student Success Coaches and the Enterprise Hub.


Careers and opportunities

Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work

On successful completion of the course you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to practise effectively as a skilled person-centred social worker.
  • Show respect for persons and for 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, well-being 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.

Social Work MA

On successful completion of the course, in addition to the outcomes listed for the PGDip, you will be able to:

  • 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.

Graduates from social work qualifying programmes at Coventry University have excellent career prospects in the caring professions, supported by our close links with local employers, who are actively involved in the design, delivery and assessment of the programme.

There remains to be healthy employment rates in the local area for qualified local authority social workers, however past graduates have also gone on to a range of positions in the NHS and voluntary sector.

Where our graduates work

Past graduates have benefited from particularly helpful working 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

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