MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MA Social Work
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA Social Work at the University of Sussex is a professional qualification designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for practice in social work. The program provides comprehensive training on the social, psychological, and legal aspects of social work practice. Students will explore various social issues such as mental health, child welfare, and substance misuse, and will learn how to apply evidence-based interventions in these areas. The program is structured to provide both classroom learning and practical placements, ensuring that students gain firsthand experience working with individuals and communities in need of social services. Upon completion, graduates are eligible to register as social workers with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Social Work is structured to offer a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent and ethical social workers. Core modules include topics such as Social Work Theory and Practice, Human Growth and Development, Social Policy, Legal and Ethical Issues in Social Work, and Research Methods in Social Work. In addition to these foundational courses, students will engage in specialized modules related to areas like mental health, child protection, and community-based social work. The program includes two practice placements, which are integral to the training process and give students the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world settings under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Research Focus: The MA Social Work at Sussex is supported by a strong research framework that explores social issues from a critical perspective. The university's research focus includes themes such as social justice, community engagement, mental health, child welfare, and the role of social work in tackling inequality. The Social Work and Social Care Research Group at Sussex is dedicated to exploring the effectiveness of social work practices and interventions, and students have the opportunity to engage with ongoing research projects. The program encourages students to critically evaluate existing social work practices and contribute to the development of evidence-based approaches in their future careers. By promoting research-informed practice, the program ensures that students are equipped with the knowledge needed to engage with current social issues and improve service delivery.
Industry Engagement: The MA Social Work program at the University of Sussex maintains strong links with a wide range of organizations and social services. These partnerships provide students with opportunities for practice placements, internships, and collaborative projects with local authorities, charities, and other agencies. These industry connections ensure that students gain practical experience in diverse social work settings, from child protection and mental health services to community outreach and disability support. Additionally, the program’s strong emphasis on practice-based learning enables students to develop the professional competencies required to excel in the field, making them highly attractive to employers upon graduation. The University of Sussex is also home to a team of experienced social work educators who bring their professional expertise into the classroom, enriching the learning experience for students.
Global Perspective: The MA Social Work at Sussex offers a global perspective on social work practice. While the program is focused on preparing students for practice within the UK context, it also explores global social work issues and the role of social workers in addressing challenges such as poverty, human rights, and migration. The program includes case studies from different countries and regions, allowing students to examine social work practices in diverse cultural and political contexts. The university’s international student body further enriches the learning experience, offering students the opportunity to engage with peers from various backgrounds and share insights into social work practices around the world. Additionally, Sussex’s strong international network of partners means students have opportunities for global exchange programs and fieldwork experiences in various international settings.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 21500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the MA Social Work program at the University of Sussex have access to a broad spectrum of career opportunities in social services, policy, and community work. The program's emphasis on both theory and practical training ensures that students are prepared for the challenges of social work practice, with a deep understanding of human development, social policy, and ethical considerations.
Qualified Social Worker: After completing the program and registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), graduates can work as qualified social workers in a variety of settings. They may work in child protection, family services, adult social care, or mental health services. Qualified social workers assess individuals and families, develop care plans, and provide support to those facing social difficulties.
Child Protection Social Worker: Many graduates of the MA Social Work program go on to specialize in child protection. Child protection social workers play a critical role in safeguarding children from abuse or neglect. They assess risk, intervene in situations of concern, and work with families to ensure children's well-being. This is one of the most vital roles in the social work field, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals.
Mental Health Social Worker: Graduates with an interest in mental health can pursue careers as mental health social workers. These professionals work with individuals who have mental health conditions, providing support, therapy, and advocacy. They help patients navigate the mental health care system, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and support. This role often involves collaboration with medical professionals and other community resources.
Adult Services Social Worker: In adult social care, social workers provide support to older adults, individuals with disabilities, or people recovering from illness. They assess needs, help clients access services, and provide emotional support. Graduates may also work in settings that focus on substance misuse, housing support, or homelessness prevention.
Community Development Worker: Social work graduates with a focus on community engagement may choose to work in community development roles. These positions involve working with local populations to improve community infrastructure, services, and quality of life. Community development workers collaborate with local governments, non-profits, and residents to identify needs and implement solutions.
Social Work Researcher: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in social work research, contributing to the development of new policies, interventions, and practices. Social work researchers conduct studies on various social issues such as poverty, child welfare, mental health, and substance abuse, providing evidence to shape the future of social work practice and policy.
Policy Advisor/Advocate: Graduates can also work as policy advisors or advocates, using their social work expertise to influence government policy and legislation. Social work policy advisors often work with NGOs, think tanks, or governmental agencies to advise on issues like social justice, healthcare reform, and child welfare policies.
Social Work Educator/Trainer: Graduates of the MA Social Work program may choose to work in higher education or professional training. As educators, they help train future social workers by teaching social work theory, ethics, and practice. They may also develop and deliver training programs for professionals working in social services.
Voluntary Sector Worker: Many graduates pursue careers in the voluntary and nonprofit sectors. These roles often involve working with vulnerable populations, including refugees, homeless individuals, or marginalized communities. Social workers in the voluntary sector often provide direct services, organize community programs, or advocate for social change.
International Social Worker: The MA Social Work program at Sussex also provides a global perspective on social work. Graduates may choose to work internationally, either with global NGOs or in countries where social services are developing. Social workers in these roles address issues such as human rights, disaster relief, refugee assistance, and global poverty.
