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University of Bristol: Social Work
| Institution | University of Bristol |
|---|---|
| Department | School for Policy Studies |
| Web | https://www.bristol.ac.uk |
| sps-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 954 6785 |
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
Summary
A PhD in Social Work equips students with the skills and experience to apply social research methods and tools to critically examine some of the most pressing contemporary issues in social work practice, policy and education. Students are encouraged to develop a topic of interest that directly relates to their own practice experiences or is of wider interest and relevance to the delivery of social work services and support to disadvantaged individuals and groups, either in the UK or overseas.
Students will be supported to develop research questions and design a study that enables them to rigorously research their topic of interest and make an original contribution to the knowledge base of social work. Topics may directly explore practice issues or contribute more broadly to social work knowledge, working with specific groups and communities and addressing systems of inequality and social disadvantage. Where appropriate, students are encouraged to work in collaboration with relevant organisations and user and interest groups to ensure their research outputs and key findings can directly inform social work practice and service delivery.
We are a multidisciplinary, research-intensive school which brings together theory, policy and practice. Our research engages with and influences national and international policy. Our policy experts come from a wide variety of backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, gender violence, childhood studies, disability studies, health and social care, history, human geography, economics, psychology, physical activity, nutrition and health sciences, urban studies, and poverty, based within seven specialist research centres.
Supervisors in social work bring diverse interests across child and family social work (for example, looked after children; adoption and fostering; supporting parents with substance misuse or learning disabilities; domestic violence responses and interventions) and adult social care (for example, disabled adults' social care needs; housing and homelessness; mental health social work; social work with older people and carers; inclusive service provision for LGBTQ+ individuals).
The school is an exciting environment for postgraduate studies; we welcome students from the UK and abroad to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international social work and policy concerns.
We welcome new PhD students all year round. However, the largest intake is in September each year with a second intake in January. We strongly recommend applicants consider a September or January start.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | An upper second-class honours degree and a pass at MSc/MA level (or equivalent experience/qualification). See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Tyndall Park Road to Park Row Bristol BS8 1TH |
Fees
| England | 4758 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4758 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4758 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4758 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4758 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 20700 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 20700 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
A PhD in Social Work equips students with the skills and experience to apply social research methods and tools to critically examine some of the most pressing contemporary issues in social work practice, policy and education. Students are encouraged to develop a topic of interest that directly relates to their own practice experiences or is of wider interest and relevance to the delivery of social work services and support to disadvantaged individuals and groups, either in the UK or overseas.
Students will be supported to develop research questions and design a study that enables them to rigorously research their topic of interest and make an original contribution to the knowledge base of social work. Topics may directly explore practice issues or contribute more broadly to social work knowledge, working with specific groups and communities and addressing systems of inequality and social disadvantage. Where appropriate, students are encouraged to work in collaboration with relevant organisations and user and interest groups to ensure their research outputs and key findings can directly inform social work practice and service delivery.
We are a multidisciplinary, research-intensive school which brings together theory, policy and practice. Our research engages with and influences national and international policy. Our policy experts come from a wide variety of backgrounds in social policy research, social work, sociology, gender violence, childhood studies, disability studies, health and social care, history, human geography, economics, psychology, physical activity, nutrition and health sciences, urban studies, and poverty, based within seven specialist research centres.
Supervisors in social work bring diverse interests across child and family social work (for example, looked after children; adoption and fostering; supporting parents with substance misuse or learning disabilities; domestic violence responses and interventions) and adult social care (for example, disabled adults' social care needs; housing and homelessness; mental health social work; social work with older people and carers; inclusive service provision for LGBTQ+ individuals).
The school is an exciting environment for postgraduate studies; we welcome students from the UK and abroad to join our diverse and highly-rated research team. We particularly welcome applications on topics with direct relevance to national and international social work and policy concerns.
We welcome new PhD students all year round. However, the largest intake is in September each year with a second intake in January. We strongly recommend applicants consider a September or January start.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | An upper second-class honours degree and a pass at MSc/MA level (or equivalent experience/qualification). See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Tyndall Park Road to Park Row Bristol BS8 1TH |
Fees
| England | 2379 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2379 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2379 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2379 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2379 GBP for Year 1 |
MSc
Summary
This two-year professional programme is designed for people who want to qualify and practise as a professional social worker. The programme leads to a nationally and internationally recognised professional social work qualification and graduates are eligible to register as a qualified social worker with Social Work England.
Qualifying for a postgraduate degree at Bristol means that you will be able to work with both children and adults, helping them to be safe, cope with difficulties and take control of their lives again. You will support people to identify their strengths and build their self-confidence, help them to overcome problems in times of crisis, and link with other services.
The teaching staff at Bristol include experienced practitioners who have worked in a variety of social work settings including child and adult safeguarding, domestic violence and abuse, school social work, foster care, physical and learning difficulties, mental health, youth offending, and hospital social work. At our research-intensive university, the programme's teaching team is also active in research, holding a wide range of funded social work research projects nationally and internationally.
Working as a social worker requires an ability to appraise complex and difficult situations, drawing on social science research, social work theories and methods of intervention. To be considered for enrolment on this programme you will need to demonstrate an understanding of social work (this could be within the United Kingdom or internationally). Upon completion of the programme you will have a thorough understanding of social policies and a firm grasp of the legal powers and duties that underpin practice in England.
The MSc in Social Work combines university-based learning with two extended periods of supervised practice as a student social worker. Your practice placements will consist of at least 170 days of learning across two contrasting practice settings, together with 30 days of skills training. By completing this degree, you will be eligible to register with a social work regulatory body (such as Social Work England) and practise as a qualified professional social worker in a range of settings (including statutory, voluntary, private and independent sectors), and in a number of countries (contingent upon country-specific requirements).
You will develop an understanding of the structural and personal factors that lead to disadvantage, oppression and discrimination, and learn how to apply this understanding to your practice. You will develop values and skills as a reflective practitioner, appraising relevant evidence - including research - to evaluate your own and other people's work and to contribute to the development of policy and practice.
To explore the programme in more depth, view these videos which include interviews with students who have completed our programme: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7PgmFn2M_V9vyVJPY-XzRp1VRLplXSdf
More general information about the role and duties of social workers in the United Kingdom can be accessed through the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). BASW is the UK's professional membership organisation for social workers.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent. English and Mathematics GCSE grade C or above or international equivalent. Personal Statement must be uploaded (maximum 750 words) demonstrating evidence of interest in social work as a professional qualification and evidence of commitment and motivation to work as a social worker. Relevant work and life experience and understanding of social care, social work and commitment to the values and ethics of social work. Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded. Two references required: one academic and one professional (two professional references accepted if graduated more than 2-years ago). For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies. We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply. We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following: - evidence of significant, relevant work experience (minimum 6 months) in health/social care sectors. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. |
| Location | Clifton Campus Tyndall Park Road to Park Row Bristol BS8 1TH |
Fees
| England | 10600 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 10600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 10600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 10600 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 10600 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 25000 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 25000 GBP for Year 1 |
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