Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Social Work at University of Worcester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at University of Worcester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in social sciences, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 24 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in social sciences.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at University of Worcester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Social Sciences.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 24 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Our practice-based degree means you’ll encounter a range of real-world experiences in the classroom and on placement, ensuring you are well prepared for life after graduation.
We’ll support you to develop the values, skills and knowledge you need for a wide range of sectors, so you can specialise and make a difference in:
- Children and family services
- Learning disability services
- Adult services
- Mental Health services
You may also decide to become a Practice Educator, so you can teach and supervise our next social work students. You can be trained do this by Worcester and these modules can contribute to qualifications such as the Postgraduate Award in Professional Development: Social Work Practice Education .
Students have progressed to complete additional research, which you can do with Worcester’s Social Work & Social Policy MPhil/PhD .
Program Curriculum
Course content
On this accredited programme, you’ll learn the skills, theories and policies you need to practice social work. You’ll then apply your knowledge to real-world contexts through simulated learning exercises and professional placements.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain a broad range of experience in the field, with qualified social workers supervising you as you complete a total of 170 days of placement.
All modules are mandatory to ensure your eligibility to apply to join the Social Work England register.
We regularly review our courses to reflect the latest research and developments in the subject area, as well as feedback from students, employers and the wider sector. As a result, modules may change to ensure the course remains current and relevant.
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
2:2 Honours degree or above in a relevant degree GCSE English Language & Maths grade C/4 or above (or a certifiable equivalent)
Any questions? If you have any questions about entry requirements, please call our Admissions Office on 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 12,500/year (international)
Fees
Fees contents UK and EU students The standard tuition fee for full-time UK and EU students enrolling in the academic year 2026/27 is £6,950 per year. Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students. For more details, please visit our course fees page . £6,950 International students The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling in the academic year 2026/27 is £14,200 per year. Tuition fees are reviewed annually and may increase each year for both new and continuing students. For more details, please visit our course fees page . £14,200
Case studies Nadia Parker - Social Work Graduate The two year MA course at the University of Worcester provided me with a solid foundation to my value-base, theoretical and practical knowledge and skills which I am now in the process of developing as a Newly Qualified Social Worker. The fact that English is my second language has never hindered me from achieving the academic and practice standards at Masters Level. I was also able to balance work with studies which gave me a sense of comfort and reassurance in maintaining my day to day living. I am currently working full time in a Team for Older People/Physical Disabilities in Southern England. Nadia Parker - Social Work Graduate The two year MA course at the University of Worcester provided me with a solid foundation to my value-base, theoretical and practical knowledge and skills which I am now in the process of developing as a Newly Qualified Social Worker. The fact that English is my second language has never hindered me from achieving the academic and practice standards at Masters Level. I was also able to balance work with studies which gave me a sense of comfort and reassurance in maintaining my day to day living. I am currently working full time in a Team for Older People/Physical Disabilities in Southern England. Nadia Parker - Social Work Graduate The two year MA course at the University of Worcester provided me with a solid foundation to my value-base, theoretical and practical knowledge and skills which I am now in the process of developing as a Newly Qualified Social Worker. The fact that English is my second language has never hindered me from achieving the academic and practice standards at Masters Level. I was also able to balance work with studies which gave me a sense of comfort and reassurance in maintaining my day to day living. I am currently working full time in a Team for Older People/Physical Disabilities in Southern England.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at University of Worcester. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: University of Worcester may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About University of Worcester
University of Worcester
Worcester, United Kingdom
The University of Worcester is a public research university based in Worcester, England. With a history dating back to 1946, the university began awarding degrees in 1997 and was granted full...
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-18
- Language English
- Duration 24 months
- Credits 120 ECTS / 360 credits (2-year programme)