Masters degree Social Work Courses at The University of Edinburgh

Social workers play a crucial role in enhancing the welfare of communities across the UK, by supporting people through a variety of social and personal challenges. They perform many roles, from assessment and intervention, to advocacy, support, research and policymaking. Ultimately, their goal is to foster secure individuals and healthy communities, and the job requires a high level of interpersonal and communication skills.

Quality social workers are in demand in almost every community in the UK, and there are plenty of opportunities in London with more than 12 universities offering postgraduate courses ranging in specificity from general social care to more specific areas such as child welfare, mental health and community development. Typically, you’ll need a relevant undergraduate degree and some work experience to gain entry onto a course, as well as demonstrating a minimum standard of communication skills.

What to expect

Throughout the master’s program, you will cover various aspects of social work theory, ethics and practice. The course aims to prepare you to work safely and effectively with people with lived experience of social work, while giving you the training to choose your own professional pathway within the field, whether that be through practice, research, or education. Placements are a critical component of most courses, and you’ll be matched with individuals, families, or communities in the London area. Assessment is generally made through a combination of methods including placement portfolios, essays, presentation and interviews, and many courses are designed in collaboration with the NHS, offering excellent preparation for work in the public health sector.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply to register as a qualified social worker with Social Work England, enabling enables you to join more than 30,000 registered professional working in London alone.