Social Work

You should have a degree equivalent to UK first-class or upper second-class honours (2:1 or above) in a relevant subject, such as social sciences, psychology, or health and social care. Applications will also be considered from students who have a 2:2 and are from an under represented group in Higher Education, that is: have caring responsibilities, considerable work experience, or are a care leaver. Such applications will be considered on an individual basis.

You must evidence GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above, as well as confirmation of your ability to use basic IT facilities including word processing, internet browsing and use of email.

You must also have relevant paid or voluntary work experience and be able to relate this to the skills and values of social work. An interview, written exercise and group-based task form part of the selection process.

If you are called for an interview, you will be assessed by a pre-prepared short presentation and an individual interview with emphasis on the ability to communicate with others/group-based skills. The interview will be conducted by a member of the academic team and a colleague with lived experience. You will be expected to demonstrate the following attributes:

• Professional attitude
• Commitment to complete the degree and work as a social worker
• Commitment to equality and diversity
• Good communication skills, including competence in written and spoken English
• Understanding of the social work role

Social work is a regulated profession and you will be required to adhere to the standards set out by the regulator regarding Conduct & Ethics and Health & Character, while also adhering to other codes of professional conduct.

If you accept an offer of a place from Edge Hill University, you will be required to complete a Declaration of Suitability for Social Work. This is a Social Work England requirement where you must demonstrate fitness to practise in relation to your conduct, health and character. It includes applying for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

We recognise that in many instances, there is no simple criterion of suitability, therefore each case will be assessed individually. You are not required to make a declaration about health problems that do not impact your capacity to study or practice, or that in the normal course of your studies or social work duties would not present a risk to others. If you declare any health problems the programme will, within its rules and regulations, respond sympathetically. Any chronic health conditions will typically be referred for an occupational health assessment.

International students are encouraged to apply, and are subject to the same processes as other candidates, with the addition of IELTS 7 and visa requirements.

If you are wishing to transfer from other institutions or programmes through RP(E)L, you will be considered for admission against the following criteria:

• Prior learning at the appropriate currency to demonstrate that you meet the necessary pre-requisites for study at the level required
• Adequate levels of achievement in order to succeed at the level required

RP(E)L in respect of practice learning is not permitted under any circumstances for anyone applying to start the programme. However, in exceptional circumstances, you may apply to transfer from one UK, Social Work England approved undergraduate/qualifying programme to another, having already successfully completed practice learning requirements. In such circumstances, , via the appropriate process and referral to the Practice Issues/RP(E)L panel, you must provide signed, verifiable practice learning documentation to evidence that all comparable practice requirements have been successfully completed. In addition, you will need to submit a short, written piece before the formal interview as a means of assessing comprehension etc, and to ascertain your possession of basic IT skills.

Ready to change lives for the better? If you’re a graduate from a relevant discipline and want to commit to a career in social work, this course is the perfect match for you.

Our MA Social Work degree, delivered with support from our partners in the Cheshire & Merseyside Social Work Teaching Partnership, combines perspectives from social care, health, education and other relevant disciplines.

Benefit from hands-on experience in work placements. Make the most of the knowledge and experience of academics, practitioners, employers, policy makers, service users and carers. Their backgrounds are in social care, social work, health education and other disciplines, so they have a lot to teach you.

Our social work course is approved by Social Work England (SWE). This means on successful completion of this course you’ll gain eligibility to apply to register with SWE as a qualified social worker.