Gain the professional knowledge and skills you need to qualify and practise as a registered social worker.
This programme is designed for graduates who wish to qualify as a social worker, and pursue their passion for improving people’s lives, by studying social work policy, practice and research within a two-year time frame. It will prepare you with the knowledge, self-awareness, and experience you need to thrive in the field of social work. You will enter the workplace as a confident, competent and autonomous social worker, equipped to lead the delivery of personalised and responsive services, which place individuals and families at the centre of their care and support.
The programme aims to develop your interest in, and knowledge and understanding of social work to enable you to:
At Edinburgh Napier University we aim to be recognised as a university that is professional, ambitious, innovative and inclusive, and to create an environment in which you feel confident, challenged and supported, and proud to be a student here.
Typical entry point to this course is in January. Please enquire for more information.
A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with honours at a minimum of 2.2 preferably in a Social Science related subject and social care experience.
Preference for interview will be given to candidates with 2.1 and above, with relevant social care experience. Applicants with other professional qualifications and/or significant relevant work experience, which demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills or who have a post graduate or distinction award in a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant health and social care profession where honours study was not an option will be considered for selection on an individual basis.
Literacy & Numeracy requirements
Literacy requirements
It is essential for students to demonstrate skills in literacy and criticality over the course of the degree programmes to fully meet the Standards in Social Work Educaion (SiSWE). Applicants must be able to:
(i) demonstrate proficiency in English language
(ii) have capability in literacy to meet programme outcomes
(iii) have capability for digital and technological literacy to meet programme outcomes.
These skills would normally be equivalent to a minimum SCQF level 5 (Grade C or equivalent). Literacy skills may also be evidenced by a test at point of interview mapped against SCQF Level 5 or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at level 7.
Numeracy requirements
Applicants will evidence one of the following:
i) The numerical skills required to understand the course materials and meet the Standards in Social Work Education (SiSWE), for example: financial assessment; budgetary procedures; managing care plans and resources or interpreting graphical data
These skills would normally be equivalent to a minimum SCQF level 5 Core Skills Numeracy at Grade C. Numeracy skills may also be evidenced by a numeracy test at point of interview mapped against SCQF Level 5.
or
ii) The ability and opportunity to learn and to demonstrate the required numerical skills while studying for the degree, for example successful completion of an undergraduate statistics or data skills module in the first year.
We will support students throughout the programme in continuously developing their abilities in numeracy, literacy, digital and technological literacy to meet programme outcomes and prepare for professional practice.
Non-academic entry requirements
1. Commitment to and knowledge of subject area
Applicants must demonstrate commitment to, and knowledge of, Social Work. A personal statement will be required alongside the application form evidencing experience in a social care /social work setting. This work can be on a voluntary or paid basis. Normally, we would expect work experience to be a minimum of six months at the time of application.
2. Reference
Applicants will be expected to provide two references in support of their application. These references will normally include one academic and one professional reference.
3. English language entry requirements
As all learning, teaching and assessment activities are conducted in English, if your first language is not English you must have a minimum International English Language Testing System score of 7.0 with all four elements having a score of at least 6.5.
4. Criminal records check
All candidates (both UK and overseas) are required to undergo an enhanced criminal records check by the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme in Scotland and have a satisfactory outcome. International candidates must provide an equivalent, criminal records check from the country or countries of residence prior to entering the UK.
5. Applicants with a declared disability
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity through the best possible level of support to students. Any disability or medical condition requiring additional support should be disclosed on the application to ensure ENU can provide student-centred support.
Interview Requirements
There will be an individual selection interview. Competition for places varies from year-to-year and achievement of the typical minimum entry requirements does not always guarantee shortlisting for interview or a place on the course.
Admission to the Programme is dependent upon a satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) Check. This will be sent to you prior to interview and will be conducted on the interview day. The cost of the PVG check will be paid by the University.
Additional Information
All students are required to register as a Social Work student with the Scottish Social Services Council on joining the programme.
This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.
Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form and we will be happy to discuss your options.
If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form.
For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more
By studying a Master of Social Work at Edinburgh Napier University, you will qualify as a social worker, ready to work in local authority or third sector services, within the areas of Children & Families, Justice, or Adult Social Work. A degree in Social Work equips you with advanced knowledge, skills, and expertise to take on specialised roles within the social work profession. It also offers opportunities for leadership positions, specialised practice areas, and higher-level responsibilities within organisations dedicated to social welfare and community support. If you’re a caring and helpful person by nature, passionate about the health and well-being of individuals and communities, then this may be the right course for you.
What does a Social Worker do?
Social workers work in various settings, including local authority social work teams, hospitals, schools, mental health services, prisons, and voluntary organisations. Their primary goal is to empower individuals and communities to navigate various challenges, overcome obstacles, and improve their overall well-being. Team and autonomous working skills will be required to deliver vital support in a fast-paced environment, with no day being the same.
Daily tasks and responsibilities in this role may include:
Modules that you will study* as part of this course:
* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.
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