Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
This two-year professional course prepares individuals to become qualified social workers. It results in a globally recognized qualification, enabling graduates to register with Social Work England as certified practitioners.
Earning this postgraduate degree from Bristol equips you to assist both children and adults, promoting their safety, resilience, and empowerment. You'll help individuals recognize their capabilities, navigate crises, and access vital services while fostering their independence.
Bristol's faculty includes seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds in child protection, domestic violence services, educational social work, foster care, disability support, mental health, youth justice, and healthcare settings. As a research-focused institution, our teaching team actively contributes to both national and international social work research initiatives.
Social work demands analytical skills to assess challenging situations using social science research, theoretical frameworks, and intervention strategies. Applicants must show familiarity with social work principles (whether in the UK or abroad). Graduates will gain comprehensive knowledge of social policies and the legal framework governing English social work practice.
The MSc program blends academic study with two substantial supervised placements totaling at least 170 days in different practice environments, plus 30 days of skills development. This qualification permits registration with professional bodies (like Social Work England) and enables practice across various sectors (public, nonprofit, private) and potentially internationally (subject to local regulations).
Students will analyze systemic and individual causes of inequality while learning to apply this knowledge practically. The program cultivates reflective practice skills, teaching students to critically assess evidence - including research - to improve both personal practice and broader policy development.