Applicant information
What happens after you apply to Bristol?
MSc in Social Work Research
| Awards Available | MSc Postgraduate Diploma Postgraduate Certificate |
|---|---|
| Duration of programme | One year full-time; two to five years part-time |
| Part-time study available? | Yes |
| Number of places | Not fixed |
Page contents
Programme overview
Social work has been defined as a profession that "promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance social justice". Accordingly, social work takes a variety of forms and engages with a broad range of individuals, groups and communities. The scope of social work research is equally broad and requires researchers to be able to engage with a variety of disciplines in a range of settings, often working alongside those with different ideas of what social work and social work research are and what each is intended to achieve (Economic and Social Research Council, 2006).
Note: This programme does not include practical training in social work and does not lead to a professional qualification in social work. If you want to study for a qualification in social work practise, please see the MSc in Social Work.
Entry requirements
- An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in a social science or other relevant discipline
- or an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject and a Masters degree in Social Work
- or a professional qualification in social work and substantial relevant experience AND evidence of ability to benefit from the programme demonstrated through a written exercise
For information on international equivalent qualifications, please see our International Office website.
NB: a professional qualification in social work is NOT a requirement for admission to the programme.
Admissions statement
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Programme structure
The programme is delivered through a series of intensive blocks held in Bristol. Each unit is delivered during one of these blocks. For part-time students living outside Bristol, this allows you to accumulate credits flexibly. The MSc and the Postgraduate Diploma comprise four mandatory and two elective units. In addition, for the MSc, you undertake an empirical research project under the supervision of a member of staff, leading to a dissertation of up to 15,000 words. A certificate is awarded for the completion of three units (two of which must be core units).
Core units
- Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences
- Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences
- Philosophy and Research Design in the Social Sciences
- Further Qualitative Research
Optional units
You then choose two of the following units which allow you to develop specialist knowledge of the application of research methods to key areas of social work and social policy.
- Further Quantitative Data
- Domestic Violence: Research, Policy and Activism
- Researching Health and Social Care
- Researching Child and Family Welfare
- Researching Poverty, Inequality and Social Exclusion
Application deadline: Not fixed
Get in touch
Professor John Carpenter, Programme Director
Email: J.S.W.Carpenter@bristol.ac.uk
or
Postgraduate Senior Admissions AdministratorSchool for Policy Studies
8 Priory Road
Bristol BS8 1TZ
Tel: +44 (0) 117 954 6785
Email: sps-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk
Web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/studying/postgraduateprogrammes/
International students
Open to international students? Yes
English-language requirements: 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each band, in addition to the standard entry requirements.
Find information for international students on eligibility, funding options and studying at Bristol.
Fees and funding
2014/15 fees
Full-time: UK/EU £5,600;
overseas £14,100
Part-time: UK/EU £2,800;
overseas n/a
Fees are quoted per annum and are subject to annual increase.
Funding options
UK/EU students can apply for 1+3 ESRC studentships. Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students is available from the Student Funding Office website.
Research Assessment Score
Unit of Assessment 40 applies. See Complete RAE listings for University of Bristol for further details.
Useful further information
Accommodation
Our Accommodation Office helps all postgraduate students find accommodation.
Living in Bristol
Discover more about living in Bristol and the city of Bristol.