MSc Social Work at Swansea University

Programme overview

The MSc Social Work is an accredited two-year Master's that qualifies graduates to register as social workers. Half of the programme is supervised practice learning with social work agencies (a minimum of 200 days) and half is blended teaching on Singleton Park Campus.

Department: School of Health and Social Care | Duration: 2 years full-time | Intake: September | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 compulsory 20-credit modules: Theories and Methods for Informing Social Work Practice; Critical Practice in Child Care and Law; Ethics and Values in Social Work; and Undertaking and Using Social Work Research for Practice; plus Social Work Skills and Knowledge for Practice 1 and 2 (Welsh-language versions available). Year 2 continues with Social Work Skills and Knowledge in Practice 3 and 4 and a 60-credit Dissertation in Social Work Research and Evidence for Practice, and Critical Practice in Adult Care and Law (20 credits).

Career pathways

Graduates are employed as social workers, with close to 100% employability stated; some gain posts with their final placement organisations. Roles include statutory social services, outreach, and youth and community work. Newly qualified social workers can expect a starting salary of around 37,000 pounds, rising to up to 48,000 pounds for senior practitioners and team managers (Careers Wales, 2025). Graduates can work in any UK region by registering with the relevant regulator.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A UK degree (2:2 or above) in a social work or social science-related discipline; English or Welsh GCSE at grade A*-C or equivalent (such as Essential Skills or Key Skills level 2 Communication); an understanding of the Code of Professional Practice for Social Care; sufficient relevant experience in social care to demonstrate the expected values and basic skills; and appropriate personal and intellectual qualities, with the ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English or Welsh. Successful applicants are interviewed; offers are conditional on a satisfactory DBS/police check (or overseas equivalent) and an occupational health declaration and assessment. Students must register with Social Care Wales as a student social worker.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,100 a year (2026/27). Year 1 fee. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,400 a year (2026/27). Year 1 fee. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 2 years full-time

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