Social Work

Entry requirements

This course is designed for those with an undergraduate degree in a non-social work subject who are:

• considering a career in social work or other humanitarian work in the UK or overseas
• looking towards a career in social work and social care research or leadership

The entry requirement is an upper second-class (2.1) honours degree classification or higher. Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification may be considered, on a case-by-case basis, if they have further related postgraduate study or extensive professional experience. Normally, this would be a minimum of 2 years of significant and relevant social work or social care experience.

We also require:

• GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C/4 or certificated equivalent level two numeracy and literacy qualification
• A minimum of 30 days related practice-based experience. This can be in a variety of fields and does not have to be in a social work setting. Personal experience may count towards your practice-based experience but it is important that you are able to evidence some practice-based experience alongside this. This must show a sustained commitment, evidenced by a practice-based reference.

If you do not fulfil these requirements or want further advice, please contact us directly.

Please note that work experience is not considered in lieu of meeting the academic entry requirements. You will be required to meet the practice element in addition to meeting the academic criteria. If your qualifications differ from those listed here, please contact the central Admissions team for guidance.

International applicants will be required to hold an IELTs 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification.

Visit our website for more information on Assessment Days.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Social Work MA degree will provide you with a practice-focussed and eye-opening learning experience. Learn from expert academics and gain first-hand experience from service users, carers and practitioners, and graduate prepared to start an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career.

Course Structure:

This course will run over 24 months in a full-time mode.

First year:

In your first year, you'll develop your skills in critical safeguarding, psychological perspectives across the life course, and practical legal knowledge within social work contexts. Through placements and skills workshops, you'll engage with diverse, real-world settings, grounded in anti-oppressive, research-informed approaches to empower and protect vulnerable communities.

Second year:

In your second year, you’ll strengthen your leadership skills in social work, focusing on self-leadership, guiding others, and driving change. Through your second placement, you’ll build on prior experience, applying legislation and social work theory in real-world settings, while preparing for employment and post-qualifying practice using the KSS framework.

Summer term:

In your final year, you’ll undertake an in-depth dissertation on a social work topic of your choice, developing research skills essential for evidence-informed practice. This module supports you in planning a research proposal and offers regular supervision, fostering research-mindedness and deepening your expertise in a specific practice area.

Why study Social Work at the Univeristy of Birmingham?

Benefit from a truly unique, practice-led experience that puts lived experience and real-world impact at the heart of your studies. You’ll learn from leading academics, work directly with service users, carers, and practitioners, and complete two placements that bring your knowledge to life. Ranked among the UK’s top social work courses, our programme leverages Birmingham’s vibrant, diverse community connections to offer hands-on experience, and its global recognition means you’ll graduate ready to make a difference—locally and worldwide.

• Study with top academics and learn directly from those with real experience.
• Develop essential skills through two practical, community-based placements.
• Build professional links through Birmingham’s strong partnerships across health and social care.
• Enjoy a variety of opportunities for practising social work and other humanitarian work in the UK and overseas

Career Opportunities

There is a clear progression from the social work programme to professional practice in a range of settings such as statutory social work, voluntary organisations and the private sector, with employment opportunities both in the UK and overseas.

Upon graduation, our students take up positions such as:

• Social Worker (children and families, adults, mental health)
• Social Work and Social Care Leadership
• Social Researcher
• Advanced Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP)
• Education Welfare Officer
• Youth Offending Team
• Community Development Worker
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer
• Advocate

Information for international students

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill

Fees and funding