“The lecturers showed us how to navigate the reality of social work with patience, resilience and curiosity.”
PGDip/MASocial Work
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Starting in: 2025
Entry requirements: 2:2
Or higher
Up to: 20% alumni discountFind out more
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a social work master's degree at Solent University
Looking for a career change to social worker? You’ll work with some of the most marginalised groups in society, helping them to overcome barriers in order to lead a fulfilled life.
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities in the last five years
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- This course is delivered by a team of qualified and registered professionals in close cooperation with people with lived experience of social work.
- Offered as both a PGDip and an MA, the course offers a flexible path to a qualification.
- The course is designed in partnership with social work practitioners, people with lived experiences and carers, ensuring you’re up to date with the latest developments in the field.
- You will complete two significant periods of work experience, thanks to our partnerships with local authorities, as well as many other social care organisations.
- Solent has been successfully delivering social work training for over 30 years and has a high employability rate.
- The course provides opportunities for optional international placement experience.
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
Designed for those who already hold an undergraduate degree in something other than social work, this course is a gateway for those wishing to qualify as a social worker.
If you love the idea of working with people in a truly meaningful way, you can have a valuable career as a social worker providing help and support for individuals and families, and work closely with communities, health professionals and other agencies.
The course offers two routes to qualification:
- PGDip - completed on an 18 months' full-time basis and students do not complete the final dissertation module to be awarded the PGDip.
- MA - completed on a two-year full-time basis and students must complete the final dissertation module to be awarded the MA.
The two routes to qualification offer students a degree of flexibility. PGDip students could decide to continue with the MA by completing the dissertation module; MA students could decide not to complete the dissertation module and revert back to the PGDip route. This can be discussed and agreed upon with the course leader during your studies.
The course team’s strong links with our regional statutory, independent, voluntary and private sector partners within the industry, provides you with the opportunity to apply the theory you'll learn at university in work practice placements, enabling you to build the skills and confidence needed to be an effective social worker, as well as developing a professional network. You will also benefit from guest lectures from the industry, in the past we have had Chief Social Worker for Adults, Lyn Romeo talk about the future of the profession.
Your learning will include an exploration of the scope and complexity of social work and a holistic appreciation of the wide-ranging needs of people with lived experiences, and in need of social work. You will also explore the psychosocial and political processes that lead to marginalisation, isolation, exclusion and inequality, as well as critically evaluate evidence from a range of sources in order to make informed decisions and to evaluate welfare outcomes.
Upon successful completion you will gain a professional qualification, meaning you’ll be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker. The qualification can also be used as a gateway to other careers for example, in leadership, teaching and management.
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Course features
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
This course is for
This course prepares you for a wide range of social work, community care and leadership roles. You’ll need a non-judgemental attitude, an appreciation of diversity, self-awareness, flexibility, and openness to new ideas. In addition, you’ll be able to demonstrate relevant skills such as teamwork, empathy, active listening, negotiating and advocacy. Ideal candidates aspire to work with vulnerable members of the community. Applicants are diverse and typically come from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
What this course leads to
Social workers have opportunities to work with other professionals such as the police and doctors, to plan support and offer services to those in need of care and support.
If a social worker is successful in enabling change, it can mean that a child or vulnerable adult may achieve a new lease of life and positive possibilities for the future.
- Professional social worker
- Working with youth offenders
- Health and education
- Therapeutic practice
- Community development
- Mental Health
Meet the team
This course is delivered by a team of qualified and registered professionals in close cooperation with people with lived experience of social work. They have the experience, knowledge and expertise relevant to the content of the modules you'll be studying. This includes academic staff and qualified professional practitioners, whose specialisms include research, community development, adults, children and families, developing relationships, reflective practice and supervision, gender, diversity and ethnicity, as well as law and social work theory and methods.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
Year one
Core modules
Social Work England - Skills Days Year One
This module facilitates Skills Days/sessions a requirement of the social work regulator for England, Social Work England. Skills Days/sessions form part of the 200-day mandatory practice placement attendance requirement across the social work degree, as laid down by Social Work England.
First Substantive Practice Placement
This is the first of the two formal placement modules for the course and represents a key milestone in your programme of study. This is the first bespoke opportunity where you can begin to demonstrate a combination of your professional knowledge, skills, values and aspirations.
Interprofessional Communication and Practice
This module is about the inter-related skills of interpersonal communication and working in partnership. The module looks at how we communicate with people with lived experience (also described as service users) and how we work with other professionals. The abilities to both communicate and work in partnership are core to the social work role, including the ability to work in organisations and overcome challenges to partnership working with other agencies.
Law and Social Policy for Social Work Practice
This module introduces you to the key legislative and regulative framework within which social work practice is conducted in England. You will be familiarised with the basic principles of English Law and the systems through which the legal process operates. You will be enabled to develop a sound understanding of the key legislation relevant to professional social work practice.
Models and Methods of the Professional Social Worker
It is important for social workers to identify, understand and be able to analyse and evaluate a range of different theory, models and methods used when working with people with lived experience and in need of social work. This module will introduce you to a range of different theories, models and methods of intervention that can be used in a variety of areas of social work practice underpinned by direct linking to the Professional Capabilities Framework.
Psychosocial Perspectives For Social Work
This module identifies and explores a range of behaviours is a core skill in social work, along with understanding of the historical and societal context in which social work operates as it helps to seek a way forward when working with people. Develop your insight into human growth, development, social interactions, relationships, behaviour and the impact of discrimination and oppression.
Optional modules
International placement
We have a limited number of part-funded international placement opportunities which afford you valuable experience of social work outside of the UK, which can look very different to social work within the UK. Applications are open towards the beginning of the first year and take place between year one and year two. Places are limited and funding availability varies annually.
Year two
Core modules
Skills Days Year Two
This module facilitates Skills Days for postgraduate social work students, a requirement of the social work regulator for England, Social Work England. Skills Days form part of the 200-day mandatory practice placement attendance requirement across the social work degree, as laid down by Social Work England.
Final Substantive Practice Placement
This is the final placement. You can explore, challenge, and extend your professional knowledge, skills, values and aspirations, and hone your understanding of yourself as a professional Social Worker – building directly upon your learning from the First Substantive Placement last year.
Research in development of Social Work Practice
This module is designed to promote the development of independent study and critical thinking. Through this module, you will acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to proficiently undertake a critical literature review in the field of social work. By honing your research literacy skills and cultivating a research minded approach, this module serves as an introduction to sound research principles within the social sciences.
Learning resources
At Solent, our aim is to deliver innovative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating teaching to develop self-confident and highly employable graduates. All our courses are designed with employability in mind, which makes industry-based learning a priority.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Learn transferable skills
You'll be supported to develop a range of transferable skills, including team leadership, public speaking, writing in different styles for different audiences, a wider knowledge of applicable law, a deeper awareness of culture and the way society and individuals work, links between theory and practical knowledge, team work, communication, problem solving, and skills in analysis and evaluation.
These transferable skills empower you to work in a range of different industries after graduation. The course will also equip you with research and academic skills helping those who wish to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
Why choose a career as a social worker?
Demand is high for qualified social workers entering the workforce - this course provides the essential training that incorporates the latest developments in social care and teaches students the underpinning values and ethics needed to become a qualified social worker capable of working in a variety of settings.
Through established networks, the programme group develops and sustains imaginative working partnerships and develops placement opportunities to enhance the student experience and further the employability of our graduates.
You will also benefit from 'Skills Days' which include regular guest sessions with experts in the sector. The course team ensure they are up to date with the latest research and theory and are committed to preparing students to have the knowledge and skills to needed to be a confident graduate, enabling you to act effectively and professionally once you become a newly qualified social worker.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“The lecturers showed us how to navigate the reality of social work with patience, resilience and curiosity.”
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
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UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2022
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Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Research at SolentTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 fees were:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees (PGDip): £5,167 per year
- International full-time fees (PGDip): £9,400 per year
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees (MA): £8,495 per year
- International full-time fees (MA): £16,540 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Compulsory costs
- Potentially any immunisations you may require.
- Travel to and from your placements.
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
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Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:2 or higher in any subject other than social work
- All applicants will be invited to attend a values-based interview.
- Applicants will be required to complete a written task.
- Applicants are required to apply for an enhanced disclosure DBS as part of enrolment and confirmation on the course. This must be a new DBS disclosure and is paid for by the University. If you need to reapply for a DBS during your study on the course, you will be liable for the renewal cost.
- Grade 4 or above in English (previously grade C), or equivalent.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Find out more about about support offered to international students at Solent.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Find out more about about support offered to international students at Solent.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
International students will need to provide a copy of a recent (within 6 months of their application) police record check from their home nation as part of their application to the course.
An honours degree at2:2 or higher
Your application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement and disclosure.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 94 with a minimum of 19 in each individual component
- or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
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- 2 years full-time
