Faculty: Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences & Social Work. This Master of Arts (MA) degree is a two-year full-time program that is both an academic and a professional qualification. It is approved by Social Work England, meaning upon successful completion, you will be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker in England. The program blends rigorous academic study with essential practical experience through two substantive practice placements (totaling at least 170 days) which are integrated throughout the degree. The curriculum is informed by the latest research from a team of research-active staff. Cohorts are small and well-supported, with each student allocated a Personal Tutor. A key feature is the active and meaningful involvement of people with lived experience (service users and carers) in all aspects of the course through the Public Involvement in Education and Research (PIER) partnership. You will develop specialist knowledge and practical skills to deal with complex social issues.

This professionally accredited degree prepares you for a rewarding and in-demand career as a qualified social worker. Given the national demand for social workers, graduates are highly employable across various sectors in the UK and abroad. Upon graduation, you'll possess the practical skills and theoretical knowledge for embarking on a career as a social worker in a variety of posts in statutory, voluntary, and independent sectors. Potential career paths include working in areas such as: Child protection, Fostering and adoption, Adult safeguarding, Mental health, Substance use, Hospital discharge, Disability services, Youth justice, and Homelessness. Graduates can also pursue post-qualifying qualifications and specialist roles through the university's National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice, or continue to Master's by Research and PhDs in social care and social sciences.

Bournemouth University offers state-of-the-art equipment across two modern campuses, including the purpose-built Bournemouth Gateway Building for Health and Social Sciences, which provides realistic simulation suites. The university provides mandatory work placement opportunities for every student on healthcare and social work courses, with dedicated support for finding placements and continuous guidance. The Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), signifying high quality. Bournemouth University is home to the National Centre for Cross Disciplinary Social Work (NCCDSW), dedicated to improving lives through enhanced health and social care practice, ensuring teaching is informed by cutting-edge research. Students benefit from small class sizes, strong relationships with local employers, and learning from research-active staff and people with lived experience.