Social Work - MA
Medway Campus, United Kingdom
Master of Arts in Social Work
University of Kent
Social Work
Program Overview: MA Social Work at the University of Kent
The MA Social Work at the University of Kent is designed as a route into professional practice for graduates, taught by qualified social workers with extensive field experience. Based at the University's Medway campus, the program combines rigorous academic study with substantial practice placements, preparing you to become a confident and competent social work practitioner.
Through a combination of classroom learning and placement work, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for a rewarding career in social work. The program includes a 70-day practice learning opportunity in Stage 1 and a further 100-day placement in Stage 2, giving you hands-on experience across a range of professional settings.
Social Work at Kent is part of the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research, which supports a large and thriving postgraduate community. The school has close links with employers such as Kent County Council, Medway Council, and Avante Care, who provide student practice learning opportunities and are engaged in joint research projects.
Key Program Highlights
- Eligible graduates can register with Social Work England as professional social workers upon completion
- 170 days of supervised practice placements across two stages in diverse professional settings
- 100% of Social Work and Social Policy research rated world-leading or internationally excellent for impact in REF 2021
- Taught by qualified social workers with strong links to local authorities and voluntary organisations
Curriculum and Modules
The MA Social Work curriculum integrates critical analysis with practice-based skills across two stages. You will study compulsory modules covering core social work theory, law, research methods, and reflective practice, alongside extensive supervised placements that allow you to apply your learning in real-world settings.
Social Work Theories, Interventions and Skills
15 CreditsExplores the role of theory in social work and its intersection with the development of interventions and skills. Covers systemic approaches, motivational interviewing, the Signs of Safety model, and simulated practice using the Centre for Child Protection resources.
Law and Social Work
15 CreditsAddresses the legal framework of English social work including primary and secondary legislation, policy and guidance. Covers the history and nature of English law, judicial interpretation, the role of courts, legal procedure, and the application of law to social work practice.
Critical and Reflective Practice
15 CreditsExamines the nature, dimensions, and aims of critical, reflective, and ethical practice in social work. Incorporates the organisational, political, demographic, and ideological context of contemporary social work practice in a diverse society.
Human Growth and Development
15 CreditsCovers lifespan approaches including physical, cognitive, and social development, attachment theory, life transitions, loss, trauma, and resilience. Explores cross-cultural differences and links theoretical learning to social work practice with children and families.
Families and Society
15 CreditsConsiders key issues for families in the contemporary context from a social work perspective. Explores the effects of poverty, domestic abuse, substance misuse, mental health needs, and their impact on parenting, family functioning, and children's needs.
Research Methods and Dissertation
60 CreditsProvides an overview of the scope and expectations of a social work dissertation at MA level. Covers ethical challenges of empirical research, prepares you for carrying out an independent piece of research, and requires ethical approval where applicable.
Elective and Optional Pathways
Admission Requirements
The MA Social Work at the University of Kent follows a two-stage selection process. Applicants who meet the entry criteria are first invited to sit a written test, and those who pass are then invited for an interview day comprising an individual interview and an observed group discussion. Contact Uni4Edu for full guidance on preparing your application.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA good (2:1) honours degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with a 2:2 may be considered with sustained relevant experience or senior-level work experience.
- GCSE EnglishGCSE English at Grade C or above (or Level 4 under the new grading system)
- GCSE MathsGCSE Maths at Grade 4 or above is preferred, though applicants may still be considered without it
- Relevant ExperienceAt least six months full-time relevant experience in social care or social work (or equivalent part-time). This can include voluntary or unpaid caring roles.
- Selection ProcessWritten test followed by an interview day with an individual interview and observed group discussion
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 7.0, with 7.0 in each subtest
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for equivalent TOEFL score requirements
- PTE AcademicContact Uni4Edu for equivalent PTE Academic score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Several funding opportunities are available to support students undertaking the MA Social Work at the University of Kent. From government-funded bursaries to international scholarships, there are options to help reduce the financial burden of postgraduate study. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on funding options.
NHS Social Work Bursary
Administered by the NHS Business Services Authority, this bursary is available to eligible home students for both years of the MA Social Work program. Students are ranked according to their selection process scores, and recipients in Stage 1 also receive the bursary in Stage 2.
GREAT Scholarships
GBP 10,000Offered in partnership with the British Council, GREAT Scholarships are available to international students from eligible countries applying for full-time postgraduate taught master's programs at the University of Kent.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
Full funding (tuition fees, return airfares, and living costs)Funded by the UK government, this scholarship is aimed at students from eligible Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. Applicants must hold at least an upper second-class honours degree.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Social Work are eligible to register with Social Work England, the regulatory body for the profession, enabling you to practise as a qualified social worker in England. Social workers are in high demand across the UK, and the program's extensive placement experience ensures you are well prepared for professional practice from day one.
Typical Career Paths
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Kent is a well-established research university consistently ranked among the top 50 institutions in the United Kingdom. Its Social Work and Social Policy research achieved outstanding results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, with 100% rated as world-leading or internationally excellent for impact and environment.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences and Public Health | US News Global | Top 500 |
| Social Work and Social Policy (REF 2021) | Research Excellence Framework | 100% World-Leading/Internationally Excellent (Impact) |
| Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | EduRank | #34 in UK |
| Social Sciences | The Guardian | Top Subject at Kent (2025-2026) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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