MSW Social Work

Academic requirements
Second-class Honours degree, preferably in a social science discipline but graduates in other disciplines with an understanding of social sciences are welcome.

Maths National 5 C/Applications of Mathematics National 5 C (or equivalent) or above.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient numerical, statistical and budgetary competence to deal with the demands of study and placement.

An English qualification at the minimum of SCQF level 5 or equivalent is also required (or evidence of an Honours Degree). Where English is a second language, an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 overall is required with no score below 5.5.

Suitable candidates must be able to demonstrate at least six months directly relevant experience in social work, social care, community work or a closely-related activity at the point of application or twelve months equivalent part-time experience. This is compulsory.

In exceptional cases where an applicant does not have a degree, the applicant may be considered if they have extensive professional experience showing career development and can demonstrate academic ability at postgraduate level, equivalent to SCQF Level 10 or above.

Relevant work experience
In general, we expect you to have had at least six months full-time work experience, or its equivalent in part-time work, at the point of the application.

Please visit our website for fee information

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

Law for Social Work in Scotland
Theory and Practice 1
Methods of Professional Enquiry
Individuals, Families and Structures in Society
Risk & Protection in Organisational Contexts
Theory & Practice 2