MSW Social Work at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• an intial qualifying programme in social work validated by the Scottish Social Services Council
• placements of 85 days in each year of the course in a range of social work service settings
• gain a qualification recognised outside the UK
• provides a stimulating blend of university-based teaching and agency-based learning opportunities across both years

Why this course?

The MSW in Social Work is a two-year, full-time postgraduate degree course.

The qualification is recognised throughout the UK and it’s expected, in due course, to meet the criteria for recognition in the EU and elsewhere overseas. The Masters in Social Work course is based on the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE) and is validated by social work's professional body in Scotland, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

The course provides a stimulating blend of university-based teaching and agency-based learning opportunities across both years.

Learning & teaching

Our approach is student-centred and aims to promote reflective learning. Our key approach is problem-based learning which is universally recognised as an effective way of developing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed by busy professionals.

The course is taught through lectures, seminar groups, simulations and individual skills rehearsal, using interactive e-learning wherever relevant. At the heart of the course is practice learning in social work service agencies and you'll undertake formally assessed placements each year.

Careers

Qualified social workers are increasingly valued. Promotion and career development opportunities are excellent. Social workers can be found in:

• local authorities – from main-grade workers to directorate level; social workers will be providing, managing, purchasing and organising services to people with diverse needs across the life span in different settings
• voluntary organisations – at all levels, usually working in relatively specialist ways with children and young people with particularly challenging needs, as well as vulnerable adults, especially those with learning disabilities and those affected by mental health issues; settings and contexts vary as widely as in local authorities
• private sector – often at senior practitioner and management level with services focusing on home-based support to vulnerable adults and residential services to older people as well as foster care support and services to people with offending histories
• central government – experienced social work managers advise and support ministers in monitoring and developing social work services
• social work regulation – a range of independent bodies, like the Care Inspectorate and Scottish Social Services Council employ social workers at a senior level to lead and manage registration and inspection of social work services to ensure they meet appropriate standards

Job titles include:

• Criminal Justice Social Worker
• Mental Health Social Worker
• Prison Social Worker
• Social Worker