Social Work (Postgraduate Entry) Central London Campus

Royal Holloway, University of London

This course runs in close partnership with social work and social care agencies and local authorities based in inner and outer London boroughs as well as neighbouring counties where you will benefit from two practice learning placements – experiencing the world of social work first hand, learning from direct practice with qualified practitioners, service users, carers and other professionals. Practice based learning is integrated with college-based teaching and learning throughout the programme.

The combination of a taught and practice curriculum breaks down barriers between practice, policy and research, meaning you will emerge from the course as a critically reflective practitioner who can work for the most vulnerable in society within an anti-oppressive framework.

The Department of Social Work has a longstanding tradition of providing excellent social work education and training and has produced a wide range of research that has been highly influential in the development of social work practice.

On completion of the MSc, you will have advanced knowledge of:


+ sociology, psychology, social policy and law and their application to social work practice


+ the contribution and application of social research to social work theories and practice


+ the range of statutory, voluntary and private welfare organisations within social work agencies and in health, housing and educational environments


+ the range of theories and methods needed for effective social work practice


+ the social and individual origins of a typical range of needs presented to social work agencies


+ values and ethics relevant to social work practice based on social justice


+ the significance of inequalities and difference in working with organisations and social service users


+ the significance of cultural diversity and anti-discriminatory practice in working with organisations, service users and carers.

Social Work