Social Work

This course will enhance your knowledge of social work theory and legislation, apply your learning to practice, and develop your critical and analytical skills as a qualified practitioner. The subject matter is interdisciplinary, derived from psychology, sociology, social policy, law and social work studies. It includes an embedded, professionally qualifying Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, which has been approved as a qualifying award for social workers in England by Social Work England (SWE) and in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits



For module details please see "Course Web Page".

Geographical availability

The full masters programme (including the PG Diploma) is available for study in England and Scotland. It is approved as a social work qualifying award in England by Social Work England (SWE), subject to meeting registration requirements, and in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), subject to conditions.



The MA in Social Work is not currently available for students working in Wales.



If you already hold a qualifying Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work from another HEI, you may be eligible for credit transfer to register directly onto the final module in order to 'top up' to the Master of Arts in Social Work. This option will be available across the UK.



For entry requirements details go to https://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/qualifications/f80

180 credits

Minimum – 30 months



How long it takes

Most students study the MA in Social Work part-time, completing the qualification in 30 months by successfully completing the modules in sequence.



The average study time is 12–15 hours each week, but this will be considerably higher during periods of practice-based learning when you will typically be required to attend the placement setting four days per week for up to 25 weeks at a time.



You must finish the first two modules of the MA in Social Work within five years and complete the qualification within nine years.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance

This is a broad qualification spanning children and families, adults and mental health social work and prepares graduates to work in a range of settings including local authorities, healthcare providers and the private, voluntary and independent sector.



Successful completion of the embedded Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work acts as a social work qualifying award in England, subject to meeting registration requirements, by Social Work England (SWE) and, subject to conditions, in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).