Postgraduate MA
Social Work
Social work is about changing lives for the better. Designed as a route into professional practice for graduates, the Kent MA is taught by qualified social workers.
Social work is about changing lives for the better. Designed as a route into professional practice for graduates, the Kent MA is taught by qualified social workers.
If you want to jump into a rewarding, people-focused career in social work, our MA course is the perfect next step for you to professional practice and make a real difference.
When you join our Social Work MA, you jump right in from day one. Through a combination of study and placement work you'll gain the knowledge, skills and confidence you need for your career.
You'll have access to placements across a range of settings, allowing you to develop your practice and research skills and apply your knowledge to practice. We have close links with employers such as Kent County Council, Medway Council and Avante Care, who not only provide student practice learning opportunities but are also engaged in joint research projects with us. This close link means the practitioners who you learn from are leaders in the field, bringing you with them as they break new ground.
Our learning community also includes service users and carers who work with us to ensure that this programme and our research work represents a wide range of perspectives, including those of people who receive services.
Social work graduates from Kent become confident, competent practitioners, ready to go out into the world, improve lives, and effect change in the places they want to see it.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) is responsible for the administration of social work bursaries. Please refer to the NHSBSA website for the latest available information including the eligibility criteria.
We do not receive confirmation of the number of MA bursaries we will receive until the summer prior to the programme starting. There are generally fewer bursaries than students registered. We are obliged to provide the NHS Business Services Authority with a ranked list of students. Students are ranked according to their scores during the selection process for the written test and the interview. We inform students where they are ranked as soon as we know the number of bursaries we will receive. Social Work MA students who receive a bursary in stage 1 of their programme, will also receive it in stage 2.
Students who do not receive a bursary, but meet the eligibility criteria, are currently able to apply to the NHSBSA for a Travel Allowance to help with placement-related travel costs.
Students who do not receive a bursary may also apply for the Postgraduate Loan from Student Finance England.
Home/EU students may be eligible to apply for a Department of Health bursary for both years of study.
In addition, Kent offers generous financial support schemes to support eligible postgraduate students during their studies. Find out more on our fees and funding page.
A first or second class honours degree in a relevant subject as well as English (at GCSE Grade C or above or at level 4 with the new grading system) are essential for all candidates. GCSE equivalence within an Access to Higher Education course is acceptable as a substitute for GCSE or Functional Skills level 2. Although Maths GCSE at 4 or above is preferred, applicants will still be considered if this requirement isn't met.
It is also expected that you will have at least six months full-time relevant experience in social care/social work (or its equivalent part-time). This need not be paid work but could be voluntary work or unpaid work caring for a relative with a disability.
Applicants with a 2.2 honours degree may be considered in circumstances where they have a sustained period of relevant experience and/or have work experience at a senior (management) level. Candidates already holding a Master's qualification may also be considered.
If you meet these criteria you can apply through UCAS.
The selection process for an MA degree in Social Work at the University of Kent consists of two part:
Part 1: all applicants who are considered to meet the entry criteria for the programme are invited to take a written test electronically. Applicants who pass the written test are invited to return for the second part of the process: an interview day.
Part 2: the interview day is made up of two parts, an individual interview and an observed group discussion.
At interview, each candidate is asked a number of (the same) questions covering issues such as motivation to undertake social work training and postgraduate study, expectations of the degree, background experience and awareness of the social work role.
Some previous experience of understanding people and possession of good communication skills help in interview. Candidates also take part in an observed group discussion with a number of other candidates. The group is asked to discuss a question relating to social work for around 30 minutes.
This selection process is in line with other social work courses and is also consistent with guidance from social work's professional and regulatory bodies.
Due to the travel requirements for mandatory placements, students are required to hold a full and valid UK driving licence in order to progress to Stage 3 of this course. These requirements are not applied to those who have evidenced disabilities or health conditions which preclude them from obtaining a full driving license.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires an Excellent level of English language, equivalent to C1 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component
PTE Academic 76 with a minimum of 76 in each sub-test
A degree from the UK
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
Duration: 2 years full-time
The programme incorporates critical analysis and practice-based skills. Each student may also undertake a two-day shadowing placement with a final year student and practice educator in a social work setting, or undertake practice learning of a similar nature, such as through simulation. During this they will observe or experience and discuss examples of social work practice and meet service users and/or carers.
The majority of the Readiness for Direct Practice module (22 days) is taught in the autumn term of Stage 1. The remaining portion (eight days) is taught as part of practice placement preparation and as ‘recall days’ during both placements. These practice-based opportunities, along with your academic work, provide the basis for your professional development.
There is considerable emphasis on participative seminars and class sizes are generally smaller to facilitate this approach. The student body is a cosmopolitan mix of mature and younger graduates creating a rich and diverse learning environment. You are allocated an academic adviser to support and mentor you throughout the programme.
More information about teaching and assessment can be found in the Programme Specification for this degree, available on the University's Course specifications webpage.
The MA programme meets the Education and Training Standards stipulated by Social Work England.
In addition to assessed work, linked to both taught modules and practice learning, you also complete a dissertation in a specific area of research in your second year.
For course aims and learning outcomes please see the course specification.
As a postgraduate student at Kent, you are a member of the Graduate School and of a community of students from a range of backgrounds, identities and experiences.
We encourage students to help each other, reflecting social work values in their everyday interactions and forming professional relationships with peers and staff that reflect those held in the workplace after you qualify.
Through student-elected representatives, you have the opportunity to raise issues with staff at our termly Board of Studies meetings. You also have an Academic Adviser from the Social Work team, who along with the Social Work Support Officer acts as a contact for any queries you may have.
Postgraduate students have access to a dedicated study room with computer facilities as well as a common room in the Rochester building. You can also enrol on the postgraduate Global Skills Award scheme, which can add value to your CV. Details of this scheme, and support and services offered to our students can be found on the Graduate and Researcher College website.
You are provided with a Programme Handbook that sets out the essential information you need to get started at the University. In addition, a Placement Handbook is provided by the Practice Learning Co-ordinator.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
SSPSSR has a long and distinguished history, and is one of the largest and most successful social science research communities in Europe.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 100% of our Social Work and Social Policy research was classified as ‘world-leading’ or 'internationally excellent' for impact and environment.
When not on campus or teaching, our staff actively engage in research activities such as writing books, speaking at conferences, and contributing to academic journals such as the British Journal of Social Work.
Our research work also involves supervising PhD students who also teach on the programme, some of whom are graduates of the School. Students with an interest in further study are actively encouraged and valued as part of a department that offers the best in teaching and research.
Kent graduates are equipped with the skills, confidence and knowledge to excel in their careers and make a real difference. From social work jobs in local authority and health settings (eg social services departments, hospital settings), to voluntary organisations (Barnardo's, NSPCC) or private agencies such as private fostering agencies and care homes. You'll be ready to start your career in whichever area you choose, giving you the flexibility needed to effect change in the places you want to see it.
Successful graduates are eligible to apply for professional registration with Social Work England (SWE), the regulatory body for social work.
Please note that driving - and having access to a car - are requirements for undertaking a placement in a statutory setting with our local authority partners.
The Partnership Initiative (PI) works to embed service user and carer perspectives, experience and expertise into social work programmes at the University of Kent, including student selection, teaching and assessment and research activities. This means when you graduate from Kent, employers know you have been learning at a place that puts service user perspectives at the heart of all that they do - making you a natural choice for a role in social work.
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
Successful applicants to this programme are required to complete and pay for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which the University will facilitate), and for the update services as required/recommended.
This programme includes a compulsory placement element. Although a government bursary may be available, there may still be costs associated with this aspect of the programme. Please see this document for estimated costs associated with the placement, and contact us for further information.
You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.
Find out more about accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.
Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:
We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.
Next steps
As a postgraduate social work student, you can apply for an NHS Social Work Bursary to support with your living costs and tuition fees. Check if you’re eligible and find bursary guidance on the NHS website.
Supporting your success
Kent ranked top 40 in The Times Good University Guide 2025.
Fees and funding
Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.
Accommodation
