Program Overview
The Social Work at Royal Holloway University of London is a MSc programme in Social Sciences over 24 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Social Work programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 24 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: EUR 13,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 6,550 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: London, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Social Work programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Programme Manager
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Diplomat
- Development Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- sociology, psychology, social policy and law and their application to social work practice
- the contribution and application of social research to social work theories and practice
- the range of statutory, voluntary and private welfare organisations within social work agencies and in health, housing and educational environments
- the range of theories and methods needed for effective social work practice
- the social and individual origins of a typical range of problems presented to social care agencies
- values and ethics relevant to social work practice
- the significance of inequalities and difference in working with organisations and social service users
- the significance of cultural diversity and anti discriminatory practice in working with organisations and social service users.
- Practice Learning 1: preparation for practice. .
- Social Policy for Social Workers: gain an understanding of social policy issues related to social work.
- Human behaviour in the social environment: gain knowledge about psychology in relation to working with service users.
- Child observations: develop observation skills that are relevant to social work with all service user groups.
- Theories and knowledge for Social Work practice: gain knowledge of theories and approaches used to understand how to work with service users.
- Law for Social Work: learn about law relating to working with services users.
- Critical Social Work: issues relating to working with service users and about different service user groups e.g. adult and child safeguarding, assessments, working with asylum seekers, substance misuse, working with resistant service users.
- Choose one of three optional seminars depending on your area of interest: mental health, child and family welfare or vulnerable adults.
- Practice Learning 2 - critical reflection: students explore and reflect upon their practice in seminar groups.
- Research methods: Students learn about research methods in preparation for their dissertation.
- Understanding and working in organisations: learn about the legal obligations, structures and cultures within organisations and how these impact on policy, procedure and practice.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
Entry requirements
- UK Upper Second Class Honours degree (2:1) in any subject, or equivalent, plus six months\' full or 12 months\' part-time relevant experience.
- We offer some flexibility in our admissions and strongly encourage non-standard applicants (e.g. with UK Lower Second Class Honours degree (2:2), more substantial relevant professional experience, or other experience in and/or a demonstrable aptitude for working with vulnerable adults and children.
- You will need a minimum Maths and English qualification at Key Skills level 2 (equivalent to grade C at GSCE.)
- Preference will be given to applicants with a wide range of relevant experience and a degree classification of 2:1 or above.
English language requirements
- IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all other subscores. For equivalencies see here.
- While students can have a degree in any subject, work experience is key and the amount listed above is an absolute minimum.
- Students from overseas should visit the International pages for information on the entry requirements from their country and further information on English language requirements. Royal Holloway International offers a Pre-Master\xc2\x92s Diploma for International Students and English language pre-sessional courses, allowing students the opportunity to develop their study skills and English language before starting their postgraduate degree.
Additional requirements:
You are required by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) to have Mathematics and English at Key Skills level 2, equivalent to grade C at GCSE level.
You will be expected to provide two references: one academic and one from a current employer.
All shortlisted applicants will be required to undertake the following selection process:
- c omplete a written test
- attend a group interview
- attend an individual interview
- write a reflective essay - to be completed in the applicant own time. (Applicants invited for interview will be emailed the essay title and will have three weeks to complete the essay from the date of the email).
Applicants are assessed against Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work - Entry Level
You will also need to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure and provide a satisfactory health declaration.
Overseas applicants will complete a written test and an interview (on Skype) conducted with the Admissions Tutor.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
EUR 13,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 6,550 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: EUR 13,500 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; EUR 6,550 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Royal Holloway University of London directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
Runnymede, United Kingdom
Royal Holloway and Bedford New College is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their...
University Profile- Language English
- Duration 24 months