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University of Bristol: Social Work
| Institution | University of Bristol View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences |
| Web | https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate |
| 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.
| 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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 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.
| 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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2425 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.
| 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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 4850 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 21300 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 21300 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.
| 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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 2425 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 2425 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 qualification in social work and graduates are eligible to register as a social worker with Social Work England.
Completing the social work programme at Bristol means that you can work with both children and adults. 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 intervention methods.
The MSc in Social Work combines university-based learning with two extended periods of supervised practice across two contrasting practice settings, together with skills training.
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.
Upon completion you will have a thorough understanding of social policies and a firm grasp of the legal powers and duties that underpin practice in England.
To explore the programme in more depth, view these videos which include interviews with previous students: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7PgmFn2M_V9vyVJPY-XzRp1VRLplXSdf
To be considered for enrolment in this programme you will need to demonstrate an understanding of social work (this could be within the United Kingdom or internationally).
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).
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any subject and English and Mathematics GCSE grade 4 (C) or above or international equivalent. A 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 should be included. Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded. This should include any relevant health/social care related experience. One professional/work reference required from a social care related job/voluntary experience. If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing: * evidence of relevant work experience in health/social care sectors. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Main Site Beacon House Queens Road Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 11300 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 11300 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 11300 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 11300 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 11300 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 26700 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 26700 GBP for Year 1 |
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 can work with both children and adults. 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 intervention methods. To be considered for enrolment in this programme you will need to demonstrate an understanding of social work (this could be within the United Kingdom or internationally). Upon completion 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 learning across two contrasting practice settings, together with 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, 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 previous students.
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 | You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any subject and English and Mathematics GCSE grade 4 (C) or above or international equivalent. A 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 should be included. Curriculum Vitae must be uploaded. This should include any relevant health/social care related experience. Two references required: one academic and one professional (two professional references can be accepted if you graduated more than two years ago). If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: * evidence of relevant work experience in health/social care sectors. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 11000 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 26000 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 26000 GBP for Year 1 |
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Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol is one of the UK’s top 10 universities (QS World University Rankings 2026), with a global reputation for world-leading research and academic excellence. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, Bristol also ranks top five in the UK for research (THE analysis of REF 2021).
With its independent and pioneering spirit, the University has a reputation for doing things differently. Bristol was the UK’s first institute of higher education to admit women on an equal basis with men. In 2019, …
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