Social Work MA at University of Northampton

Programme overview

This master's degree develops your key skills in working with service users, colleagues and professionals from a range of backgrounds. Academic study is combined with practice placements, preparing you for professional registration.

What you will study

The MA Social Work postgraduate programme aims to prepare students for professional practice through a 2-year Master’s course that blends key academic modules and rigorous placement experiences which focus on required professional standards appropriate to the delivery of assessment and support for those in need within our communities. Modules include Social Policy and Law, 70 Day Practice Placement, 100 Day Practice Placement, Professional Project, Preparation for Professional Practice, Theories and Models for Social Work Practice, Safeguarding and Managing Risk.

Career pathways

Employment prospects for graduates with a masters in social work are excellent and you will be able to pursue various social work careers across the country. Successful completion of the course enables Social Work masters students to be eligible to apply to register with Social Work England.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Please note: candidates must meet ALL of the following criteria to be considered for the social work master’s degree: A relevant undergraduate degree (ideally a 2:1 classification) or other recognised equivalent qualification. A Pass or 3rd will not be considered. Applicants are advised to discuss the relevance of their Degree in their personal statement. All applicants must have GCSE in Maths and English Language grade C/4, or a certified Level 2 equivalent, regardless of other qualifications. You will need to have had experience of working with people who are experiencing challenges. This can be through volunteering or in paid employment. This experience should be over a period of at least six months and have totalled at least 500 hours. English language: Minimum standard – academic IELTS 7.0 with no component less than 6.5. If you are an international applicant and would like more information on applying for Social Work MA, please visit our How to Apply page.

Domestic applicants: GBP 6,490 a year (2026/27). Year 1 fee Source

International applicants: GBP 20,000 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

Intake: January

Duration: 2 years Full-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.northampton.ac.uk/postgraduate/how-to-apply/

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