Social Work (MSc)
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode: Full time
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications you need to practice as a social worker in Wales, the wider UK and many countries around the world.
Quality by design
Our programme is designed and delivered in partnership with people with care and support needs, carers, local authority partners and third-sector organisations in Wales.
Student placements
We prioritise employability and practical knowledge and skills, working in partnership with local authorities in Wales to ensure high-quality placements and your chances of securing employment afterwards.
An experienced team
Our teaching team represents decades of practice and research experience in a variety of fields and includes two of the top 100 social work academics in the world, and a former Children’s Commissioner for Wales.
A top UK university
We’re one of the UK’s leading institutes of higher education, the only Welsh member of the Russell Group, and placed in the top 20 UK universities for the quality of our research (REF 2021).
Availability of financial support
Most students are eligible for a bursary from Social Care Wales (worth £25,430 in 25/26) and help with placement-related costs, while income-based grants and allowances are also available. Check Social Care Wales for the current offering.
Our location
We’re based in the Glamorgan Building, within walking distance of Cardiff city centre and local rail and bus stations.
Our MSc in Social Work programme will develop your skills, knowledge and values so that you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups and communities, while advocating for social justice and human rights.
Our curriculum focuses on building your skills, knowledge and confidence to practice.
- Foundational skills: You’ll gain the essential abilities to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities, learning to conduct assessments, develop person-centred care plans, and make informed judgements and decisions.
- A humanistic approach to practice: You’ll develop a values-based understanding of social work grounded in a shared commitment to human rights, equality, and social justice.
- Professional competence: You’ll build confidence in providing compassionate, principled, and effective interventions.
- Welsh context, global perspective: You’ll learn how to make a difference as a social worker in Wales while gaining a global outlook on the profession.
Through our strong partnership with local authorities in Wales, you’ll have access to a range of high-quality and well-supported placements. These will be integral to your professional development, allowing you to apply your academic learning in real-world settings and engage directly with people with care and support needs, carers, and other professionals.
An MSc in Social Work enables you to apply for registration with Social Care Wales. It also enables you to apply for registration with other social work regulatory bodies in the UK, and internationally.
For further information, applicants are advised to check specific registration requirements with Social Work England, the Scottish Social Services Council, or the Social Care Council of Northern Ireland, or with the relevant overseas body such as the Australian Association of Social Workers or the Council on Social Work Education in the USA.
There was an excellent balance between time in the classroom and placements. The staff on the programme were fantastic, too. They're approachable, supportive and take a genuine interest in you achieving your best.
Where you'll study
School of Social Sciences
Our degrees are delivered by internationally recognised experts with a track record of influencing policy and practice around the world.
Admissions criteria
To be considered for our programme, you’ll need to meet all the entry requirements. Your application cannot be progressed if the information and evidence listed here is not provided.
With your online application, you need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate which shows you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A personal statement, see below for further information.
- One academic or employer reference, completed within the last 6 months, indicating your suitability to be a social work student. Please ensure the reference is signed, dated, and on headed paper.
- Suitable evidence of English language written and spoken ability, for example an overall score of 7.0 and sub-scores of 6.5 or higher in all sub-skills on the International English Language Test System (IELTS). If your English language test score is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates or provide the expected date of the result. (Note, if you have already provided a copy of your degree certificate, and your qualification was taught and examined through a UK institution or from an institution in a country on the UKVI list, this step does not apply to you.)
If you do not have an undergraduate degree, your application may still be considered based on extensive professional social care experience (at least two years of full-time paid employment or equivalent part-time paid employment) as reflected in your personal statement and reference, alongside a relevant Level 4 or 5 qualification in a related subject (for example, the City and Guild’s Social Services Practitioner programme).
Personal statement
Your personal statement should be no longer than 800 words, and address the following two questions:
- What are your motivations for applying to study social work at Cardiff University?
- What experience do you have of social care (personal, professional or a combination) and what have you learned from this experience about the values and skills needed to be a social worker? (Please note, there is no minimum number of hours work experience you must have before you can apply.)
- And, if you are invited for interview, would you prefer to be interviewed in Welsh or English?
Application deadline
Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend applying early. Applications normally open in September each year and close on 1st May – but may close sooner if all places are filled. If you submit an application after 30th April, we will only consider it if places are still available.
Selection process
If you meet the entry requirements, we will invite you to an interview. Interviews usually take place from December onwards each year. You will be sent a copy of the interview questions in advance, giving you plenty of time to prepare.
If you are successful at the interview, and places are still available, you will receive an offer.
Enrolment conditions
If you are successful in obtaining an offer, your enrolment will be subject to fulfilment of the following conditions:
• Confirmation of your Fitness-to-Practise (FTP) where appropriate.
• Confirmation of your Fitness-to-Study (FTS) from Cardiff University’s Occupational Health (OH) service where appropriate
All student social workers need to register with Social Care Wales at the start of their course and must remain registered for the duration of their studies. You will be supported with this by Cardiff University and do not need to register until contacted by Social Care Wales.
Shortly after enrolment you will be asked to complete a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background check with list checks for both Adults and Children. International applicants may also be required to secure letters of good conduct, or equivalent, in accordance with University, Social Care Wales and Home Office guidance/requirements.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You will be required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check if your application is successful. If you are applying from certain countries overseas, a Certificate of Good Conduct may be required. If you have a relevant criminal conviction, this will be stated in the check and may affect your ability to enrol on the course. Applicants who are on the barred list should be aware that applying to this course is likely to be considered a criminal offence.
Course structure
The MSc in Social Work is a 21-month programme based on the completion of six 20-credit taught modules, a 60-credit supervised dissertation module, and three practice-based learning placements (worth 60 credits in total).
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Year one
Year 1 is foundational, covering theory, practice skills, legislation, social science perspectives, and research skills. In total, you’ll complete 120 credits.
Most academic teaching is provided in the autumn term between mid-September and early December. In the spring term, between January and June, you’ll complete two practice-based learning placements.
To progress to the second year, you must pass all taught modules, all academic assignments, and successfully complete a minimum of 700-hours of practice-based learning, typically completed over 100 days on placement.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Social Work: Law, Policy, Principles and Values | SIT830 | 20 credits |
| Introduction to Social Work Skills: Rogerian Skills and Community Practice | SIT831 | 20 credits |
| Developing your Social Work Skills: Person-Centred Practice and Motivational Interviewing | SIT832 | 20 credits |
| Knowledge for Social Work Practice | SIT833 | 30 credits |
| Stage 1 Placement: Introduction to Practice Learning | SIT837 | 10 credits |
| Stage 2 Placement: Applying Knowledge, Skills and Values | SIT838 | 20 credits |
Year two
In year 2, you’ll develop a more in-depth and critical understanding of social work theory and research, and more advanced practice skills, with a focus on integrating and applying your knowledge. In total, you’ll complete 60 credits.
Most academic teaching is provided in the autumn term between mid-September and early November. Between November and April, you will complete one practice-based learning placement.
To earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, you must pass all taught modules, all academic assignments, and successfully complete a further 700 hours of practice-based learning, typically completed over 100 days on placement.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Working with Individuals, Families, Groups and Communities | SIT511 | 20 credits |
| Working in and across organisations | SIT512 | 20 credits |
| Social Work Practice | SIT513 | 20 credits |
| Dissertation | SIT514 | 60 credits |
| Practice Learning Placement III | SIT515 | 0 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Our social work programme combines academic rigour with practical relevance. Taught by internationally recognised academics and informed by cutting-edge research, you'll receive an education that prepares you to excel in your social work career.
Practical relevance
We believe in social work as a practical activity, as well as a subject to be studied. You’ll learn not simply about theory and research but how to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world settings. We teach alongside current practitioners and people with care and support needs and carers to make sure you receive a rounded and relevant social work education.
A balanced timetable
As a student on our course, you’ll normally attend university for two days per week during the autumn term, leaving plenty of time for independent study. While on placement, you’ll attend five days per week, as well as coming back to the university for regular recall days.
Research-informed teaching
Our teaching draws on the latest research from world-leading centres such as CASCADE (social care for children and families) and CARE (social care for adults), based within Cardiff University’s innovative social science research park, Spark | Sbarc.
Diverse learning approaches
You'll engage in various face-to-face learning methods, including:
- Lectures and seminars, where you’ll explore core concepts and contemporary issues.
- Workshops and skills sessions, where you’ll develop your practical skills in a safe and supportive setting.
- Recall days and intensive sessions, where you’ll dive deep into specific topics.
- Interdisciplinary learning, which allows you to collaborate with students from health-related fields for a broader perspective.
- Simulation suite sessions where you can practice your skills in hospital wards and a fully furnished flat.
Professional standards
Our programme meets all relevant Social Care Wales requirements for qualifying social work programmes.
How will I be assessed?
You’ll be assessed in relation to the skills and knowledge you need to become a compassionate and effective newly qualified social worker.
You’ll complete a variety of academic assignments, including simulated practice encounters, essays, coursework, in-class tests, and group presentations. In addition, you’ll submit three portfolios showcasing your practice-based learning, including supervision records, feedback from people with care and support needs, and direct observations of your practice.
To successfully complete the course, you must pass all academic assignments and practice-based learning placements. If you needed to re-take any of your academic assignments, this would take place at the end of the same academic year. If you needed to re-take any of your placements, this would take place in the following academic year.
How will I be supported?
Cardiff University provides extensive support for postgraduate students, including:
- Learning Central: A virtual learning environment for each module.
- Libraries: Access to physical and electronic copies of books, journals, and databases for learning and research.
- Student support: Find help and advice related to health and wellbeing, including counselling services, money matters, careers, disability and dyslexia.
In addition, all social work students are supported by:
- A personal tutor, available throughout the programme to discuss your progress and provide advice and guidance.
- A Practice Educator (PE), a qualified and experienced social worker, to supervise and guide you during practice-based learning placements.
What skills will I practise and develop?
On successful completion of your Programme, you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Critically evaluate theories of human rights, social justice, anti-discrimination, anti-oppression, and anti-racism as they apply to social work practice.
- Use a variety of theories and research evidence to plan, deliver, and critically evaluate social work interventions including assessments and care plans in relation to care and support needs and complex issues of risk and harm.
Intellectual Skills:
- Critically apply social work laws and policies from international, UK, and Welsh contexts in different social work practice settings.
- Apply research to practice, critically evaluating the quality and relevance of evidence.
- Refine and apply advanced research abilities to enhance your own social work practice, including the completion of an individual research project and a dissertation.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Develop and apply foundational skills in Rogerian counselling, person-centred practice, Motivational Interviewing, and community development.
- Develop and critically justify interventions with individuals, families, groups, and communities in person-centred, proportional, co-produced, purposeful, and professional ways.
- Formulate professional judgments and make decisions in relation to need, risk and significant harm based on theory, research, and the perspectives of people with care and support needs, and carers.
- Deliver clear, professional, and well-structured presentations tailored to the needs of diverse audiences.
- Integrate knowledge of the Welsh context to meet the specific needs of people with care and support needs in Wales.
- Apply a critical understanding of social, cultural, economic, and identity-related issues to social work practice.
- Evidence satisfactory completion of practice-based learning as required by Social Care Wales, adhering to all relevant National Occupational Standards for Social Work and the Social Care Wales’ Code of Professional Practice.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Facilitate and lead group-work, showing initiative, motivation, self-reflection and reflexivity, and the ability to provide constructive feedback.
- Apply critical thinking and creativity to address complex challenges in social work.
- Locate, analyse and evaluate information from various sources, applying it appropriately in different social work contexts.
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £9,950 | None |
| Year two | £9,950 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £24,700 | £2,500 |
| Year two | £24,700 | None |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
There may be travel, childcare and other costs associated with placements. Subject to eligibility criteria, you can apply for support with these costs from Social Care Wales.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
During your time with us, you’ll learn directly from qualified social work practitioners and from those with lived experience of social services. Upon successful completion of the programme, you’ll be a qualified social worker - reflective, resilient, ethically and socially aware - equipped with a range of attributes including effective communication and critical thinking skills, and the ability to work with others.
Social workers have high employment rates in a range of settings in Wales and across the UK, including central government, local government, within the child and family court system, the NHS, and with charities and other third-sector organisations. Many social work roles are available on a part-time or flexible-working basis.
Many social workers practice with children and families, including children with care and support needs, and those in need of protection, as well as with parents, foster carers, special guardians and adoptive parents, and as part of the criminal justice system. Others practice with adults, in fields such as mental health, disability, drug and alcohol support, homelessness, and with older people.
Many social workers use their skills on behalf of international organisations, including the United Nations, the Voluntary Service Overseas, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association and Social Workers Without Borders. Many social workers in the UK also work for charities, including the NSPCC, Barnardo’s and Age UK. In addition, many social workers are self-employed, while others have founded their own charity or social enterprise.
According to the UK National Careers service, depending on the location and area of practice, social workers in the UK typically earn between £32,000 and £35,000 when newly qualified, and between £35,000 and £65,000 for more experienced practitioners and managers. In time, as you develop your skills and experience, you might consider moving into a management role, becoming a practice educator and supporting new social work students, or studying for your PhD or Professional Doctorate.
Placements
To qualify as a social worker in Wales, you must successfully complete a minimum of 1,400 hours of practice-based learning. This will be achieved via three placements typically hosted by one of our local authority partners - Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Bridgend County Borough Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cardiff City Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Newport City Council, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council, Torfaen County Borough Council, and Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council. Placements with other local authorities are possible by arrangement.
You’ll be allocated to one local authority for the duration of the programme. While prior employment history and home location will be considered, no specific LA can be guaranteed.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
