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Durham University: Social Work
| Institution | Durham University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Sociology |
| Web | durham.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0191 334 1000 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
Course details The Durham MSW Social Work is an intensive course with foundations in research and real-world experience. Throughout the course you will engage with the knowledge, skills and values that underpin social work practice in relation to individuals, groups and communities. The 21-month course is structured around seven modules. It combines academic training and a work-based research project with two practice placements, totalling 170 days, working with different service user groups. Practice experience of statutory interventions with children and families or ‘vulnerable adults’ is complemented by opportunities for innovative practice in the voluntary and independent sectors in areas such as family justice, homelessness, substance use, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, community interventions and self-advocacy.
Why Durham University? The Department’s work informs policy and practice that addresses many of the social challenges in the world today. We carry out research into how differing social environments can impact human behaviour and frame our daily lives, family, education, health and work. The Department of Sociology carries out significant research and teaching that considers the world from a social perspective. We use the knowledge gained from our research into human behaviour to contribute to vital policy and practice that addresses contemporary social challenges. These ever-present challenges range from social inequality and its implications for social mobility, education and health as well as violence, abuse, and the role of responses from bodies such as governments and agencies. Our academic staff have a vast pool of expertise in innovative and socially conscious research in areas ranging from Criminology and Sociology through Social Policy to Social Work and Community and Youth Work. We are also home to prestigious research centres that are respected for the contribution they make to the field of sociology including the Centre for Social Justice and Community Action and the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse.
Facilities Our University library is one of the best in northern Britain and offers a wide range of books, ebooks and journals that support all of our areas of study. We also make extensive use of Learn Ultra, the University’s virtual learning environment.
Career Opportunities Teaching and research in sociology develops the skills and knowledge required to carry out further research at a high level. It also provides an excellent foundation for careers in a wide range of sectors by enhancing skills that are appropriate for the workplace and are highly sought after by employers. These range from interpreting and evaluating information to analysing situations and constructing a persuasive argument. Previous postgraduates have progressed to stimulating and rewarding roles in health and welfare, local and central government, the Civil Service, the police, the voluntary sector, banking and the media as well as business, with high-profile employers such as M&S, Mencap, Accenture and Unilever.
Master of Social Work - MSW
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Normally a minimum second class honours degree (2:1). GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English grade 4 (or C) or above, or equivalent, at the time of application. Applicants must have sufficient recent experience (in employment, as a volunteer, as a service user or carer) in social care, health care or related voluntary setting to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the capabilities of a social worker as indicated at the entry level of the Professional Capabilities Framework. As a guideline, this period of experience is unlikely to be less than six months. Applicants for who English is not your first language will be required to demonstrate evidence of English Language Competence equivalent to IELTS 7 with no element less than 6.5. You will also be required to: Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link "Apply" at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal. |
| Location | Durham City Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP |
Fees
| England | 9000 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 9000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 9000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 9000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 9000 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 24500 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 24500 GBP for Year 1 |
Durham University
- World top 100 University: Joint 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- UK top 10 University: 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
- 7th in the Complete University Guide 2025
- World top 30 University for sustainability: 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65th in the world in the category of Employer Reputation. QS World University Rankings 2025
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