Overview

Do you want to empower, support, and protect the most vulnerable in our society?

You can advance social justice in the dynamic and rewarding field of social work. Through academic and practice-based study, our MSc Social Work course prepares you to lead evidence-informed practice and create real change.

If you have a background in social science or humanities, this course offers you an accelerated path to earn both a master’s degree and to qualify as a registered Social Worker. It’s an intensive two-year, full-time course that enables you to build on your existing bachelor’s degree and experience.

You’ll undertake two supervised practice placements during the course, where you’ll gain valuable real-world experience. These opportunities will allow you to apply what you are learning on the course and develop your knowledge and practical skills as a professional.

You’ll have the full support of our experienced and dedicated staff throughout. At Glasgow Caledonian University we pride ourselves on our close and supportive relationships with our students and invest personally in your success. You’ll be part of a thriving and diverse community that’s driven by a shared belief in social responsibility and a commitment to the Common Good.

Why study Social Work at GCU?

Accredited by Scotland’s social work regulator, you can become a registered Social Worker in just two years.
You will study within a department that is a leading provider of social work education with a national reputation for excellence.
Benefit from two supervised practice work placements to build your skills, knowledge and values.
You’ll have a close and supportive relationship with the course team who invest personally in your success.

Scottish Social Services Council

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What you will study

Modules

Borders, Culture and Environment in a Globalising World

Theory and Skills for Social Work

Social Work Research and Evidence

Supervised Direct Practice 1

Supervised Direct Practice 2

Dissertation

We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.

The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.

Careers

Our course opens up pathways to a rewarding career as a Social Worker or Researcher within:

local authorities
third-sector organisations
private sector organisations
local or national government.

You’ll graduate ready to step into a meaningful and secure career as a qualified Social Worker. Our graduates are in high demand, and many receive job offers before they finish the course. Employers across the public, private and third sectors actively seek out our students because they know you’ll bring the skills, confidence and professional values needed to make a real difference.

As you progress through your studies, you will develop a broad range of knowledge and skills that will qualify you to practise in any area of social work. Whether you choose working with adults, supporting children, or justice social work; whether you see yourself working directly with people, contributing to research, or driving change within organisations, you'll have the grounding you need to thrive.

This is your pathway to a rewarding role and a career where your work truly matters.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
Award	Full time	1 year	Sep 27	Location	Enquire
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location
MSc	Full Time	2 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Preferred academic requirement

UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent) in an area of social science and substantial relevant practice experience.

Subject to PVG and/or occupational health check.

If successful, you will be shortlisted and invited for interview.

All applications to this programme should be made via UCAS.

English language requirement

Academic IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.5.

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Teaching methods

You’ll be taught in ways that reflect the real world of social work, so you acquire the knowledge, skills, and values to practise effectively. You will be encouraged to develop critical thinking through independent learning and a wide range of teaching methods. These include group exercises and presentations – as well as written assignments – that are academically challenging and vocationally relevant.

Assessment methods

Each module on the course has its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve leaning outcomes. The assessment methods vary between modules, and may include:

reports
written assignments
reflective commentaries
case studies
presentations
group work.

Work placement

Our MSc Social Work offers the opportunity to deepen your skills through two substantial work placements integrated into your studies. Under the supervision of experienced professionals, you will gain hands-on experience within a local authority or third-sector organisation.

Your first placement is an 80-day block undertaken during term time in Year One. It enables you to apply social work theory in practice, develop core skills, and strengthen your ability to critically reflect on your own work and that of others.

In Year Two, you will complete a 100-day placement. This extended experience allows you to build on and refine your practice skills, preparing you to meet the standards required for professional qualification.

Work placements are unpaid. However, Scottish students may be eligible for a learning support grant from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) towards the cost of placements.

Visit the Scottish Social Services Council website.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.

Overview

Why study Social Work at GCU?

Accreditations

What you will study

Careers

Course information