University of Edinburgh campus

Health Sciences

MSW Social Work, Master of at University of Edinburgh

University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Programme overview

The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a postgraduate qualification for people who want to practise as qualified social workers, approved by the Scottish Social Services Council and recognised by the regulators in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Study alternates between campus learning and practice learning in both years.

Faculty: College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences  |  Department: School of Social and Political Science  |  Duration: 2 years full-time  |  Intake: September 2027  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students complete six courses in year 1 and three in year 2, including a dissertation worked on throughout the programme, with periods of practice learning in both years.

Career pathways

Graduates work in social work practice, training, research, and in government, public, private and voluntary sectors, and are eligible for registration as a social worker.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent is preferred; applicants with a lower or predicted lower degree plus additional qualifications and/or substantial relevant experience may be considered. Applicants must show knowledge and experience of social work and motivation, normally through at least six months of paid or voluntary work in social care or similar settings, evidenced in the personal statement. Applications through UCAS, equal consideration deadline 13 January 2027. English language: IELTS Academic overall 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component.

Domestic applicants: GBP 14,390 a year (2027/8). Scotland and rest of UK fee rate, per year Source

International applicants: GBP 33,600 a year (2027/8). International/EU fee rate, per year Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 2 years full-time

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