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Cardiff University: Social Work
| Institution | Cardiff University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Social Sciences |
| Web | www.cardiff.ac.uk |
| postgradenquiries@cardiff.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 029 2087 0084 |
| Study type | Taught |
MA
Summary
Study the theory and practical skills of social work, and gain the training required to qualify and register as a social worker in Wales and the wider UK.
Our 2-year MA in Social Work is approved by Social Care Wales, so when you graduate, you’ll qualify as a social worker.
You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the ethics and values of social work, social work practice skills, and critical practice relating to the law around children, families and adult care, and the key theories and perspectives underpinning social work policy and practice.
With us, you’ll build on and refine your critical research and analytical skills in relation to social work practice and policy and develop professional reflective practice techniques.
You’ll apply your learning and develop your workplace skills and professional networks by completing 3 Practice Learning Placements - amounting to 1400 hours - hosted by one of the 9 Local Authorities in Wales we work in partnership with. The practical training will allow you to apply your theoretical learning to real life situations, working with diverse people who use services and carers.
From communication skills to legal duties, professional decision-making to an understanding of socio-economic factors, our programme will equip you for full-time social work.
Accreditations Social Care Wales
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For further information, please visit the course page on our website: In order to apply for this course please follow the instructions on the following page under Social Work MA: |
| Location | Cathays Park Campus Park Place Cardiff CF10 3AT |
Summary
Study the theory and practical skills of social work, and gain the training required to qualify and register as a social worker.
The MA Social Work is a two-year full-time programme that will give you everything you need to achieve a professional qualification in social work. You will benefit from strong tutorial support, teaching informed by research and practice, and access to a range of placement opportunities in specialist fields.
On successful completion of the programme, you will be able to assume the title of Registered Social Worker.
You’ll be taught by staff who have both practice and research experience in a wide range of fields and will undertake three placements throughout the programme, with a total of 100 days spent on placement during each year.
Situated within the broader environment of social sciences, this programme provides a theoretical and critical approach to the acquisition and appreciation of knowledge about social work practice and its context. Principles of human rights are core.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For further information, please visit the course page on our website: In order to apply for this course please follow the instructions on the following page under Social Work MA: |
| Location | Cathays Park Campus Park Place Cardiff CF10 3AT |
MSc
Summary
Gain the knowledge, skills and qualification you need to practice as a social worker in Wales, the wider UK and many countries around the world.
Our MSc or PgDip in Social Work programme will develop your skills, knowledge and values so that you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups and communities, while advocating for social justice and human rights.
Our curriculum focuses on building your skills, knowledge and confidence to practice.
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Foundational skills: You’ll gain the essential abilities to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities, learning to conduct assessments, develop person-centred care plans, and make informed judgements and decisions.
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A humanistic approach to practice: You’ll develop a values-based understanding of social work grounded in a shared commitment to human rights, equality, and social justice.
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Professional competence: You’ll build confidence in providing compassionate, principled, and effective interventions.
-
Welsh context, global perspective: You’ll learn how to make a difference as a social worker in Wales while gaining a global outlook on the profession.
Through our strong partnership with local authorities in Wales, you’ll have access to a range of high-quality and well-supported placements. These will be integral to your professional development, allowing you to apply your academic learning in real-world settings and engage directly with people with care and support needs, carers, and other professionals.
An MSc or PgDip in Social Work enables you to apply for registration with Social Care Wales. It also enables you to apply for registration with other social work regulatory bodies in the UK, and, with an MSc, internationally.
For further information, applicants are advised to check specific registration requirements with Social Work England, the Scottish Social Services Council, or the Social Care Council of Northern Ireland, or with the relevant overseas body such as the Australian Association of Social Workers or the Council on Social Work Education in the USA.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For details on entry requirements, please visit our website: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-work-msc |
| Location | Cathays Park Campus Park Place Cardiff CF10 3AT |
Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip
Summary
Gain the knowledge, skills and qualification you need to practice as a social worker in Wales, the wider UK and many countries around the world.
Our MSc or PgDip in Social Work programme will develop your skills, knowledge and values so that you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups and communities, while advocating for social justice and human rights.
Our curriculum focuses on building your skills, knowledge and confidence to practice.
-
Foundational skills: You’ll gain the essential abilities to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, and communities, learning to conduct assessments, develop person-centred care plans, and make informed judgements and decisions.
-
A humanistic approach to practice: You’ll develop a values-based understanding of social work grounded in a shared commitment to human rights, equality, and social justice.
-
Professional competence: You’ll build confidence in providing compassionate, principled, and effective interventions.
-
Welsh context, global perspective: You’ll learn how to make a difference as a social worker in Wales while gaining a global outlook on the profession.
Through our strong partnership with local authorities in Wales, you’ll have access to a range of high-quality and well-supported placements. These will be integral to your professional development, allowing you to apply your academic learning in real-world settings and engage directly with people with care and support needs, carers, and other professionals.
An MSc or PgDip in Social Work enables you to apply for registration with Social Care Wales. It also enables you to apply for registration with other social work regulatory bodies in the UK, and, with an MSc, internationally.
For further information, applicants are advised to check specific registration requirements with Social Work England, the Scottish Social Services Council, or the Social Care Council of Northern Ireland, or with the relevant overseas body such as the Australian Association of Social Workers or the Council on Social Work Education in the USA.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | For details on entry requirements, please visit our website: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-work-msc |
| Location | Cathays Park Campus Park Place Cardiff CF10 3AT |
Founded in 1883, Cardiff University combines a prestigious heritage with impressive modern facilities, on one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK. As part of the Russell Group, our students benefit from our outstanding research quality and reputation, while enjoying a wide variety of courses that can be tailored to any aspirations.
Academic excellence and global reputation
Ranked 22nd in the UK (The Complete University Guide 2026) and 181st in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026), Cardiff University is recognised for its outstanding teaching and research. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), …
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