MA Social Work (Pre-Registration) at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

A pre-registration masters preparing graduates for professional registration as social workers, with supervised placements in adult and childcare settings and ongoing engagement with service users and carers. Study covers law, values, theory, research and professional practice. The programme is approved by Social Work England (with conditions).

Faculty: School of Health Professions | Duration: 2 years full-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1: Professional Practice, Values and Ethics, Legal Literacy, Critical Social Work, Practice Learning 1 and Research for Practice. Final year: Practice Learning 2 and a Dissertation.

Career pathways

Social workers support individuals and families across all ages in settings including adoption and family support, criminal justice and refugee services, and work with adults facing issues such as homelessness, addiction, disability or poor mental health.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first degree at 2:2 or above; GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English at grade C/level 4 or above (for applicants whose first language is not English, IELTS or equivalent of at least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in any component). Evidence of formal study within the last five years and at least twelve months' experience working with vulnerable or disadvantaged people in a social welfare capacity (statutory, voluntary or independent sector, paid or unpaid, UK or overseas). All candidates are interviewed before an offer. Applications include a personal statement of about 250-400 words and a CV, and are made through UCAS.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 20,150 a year (2026/27). Full-time Source

Duration: 2 years

Health Sciences