Master of Social Work (MSW)
Subject and course type
- Social Work
- Postgraduate
Become a qualified social worker in two years with Kingston University, where you will be eligible to register with Social Work England.
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Learn life-changing skills in real-world settings
Be a part of someone’s life journey
Studying Social Work at Kingston will accelerate your path towards a career with the potential to change lives for the better. Social workers are highly sought after, and this qualification will open opportunities in everything from children’s services and community care to criminal justice and mental health.
You’ll learn from social work academics, researchers, expert practitioners and people with lived experience across a range of specialist social work fields. Through a blend of theory and practice, you’ll deepen your expertise in your chosen specialism and equip yourself with a range of skills.
Prepare for transformative learning experiences in a supportive, inclusive environment. You’ll follow a psycho-social and life-course approach, encouraging critical thinking and anti-discriminatory practice in response to people and community needs.
Teaching will come from fully qualified experts, many of whom are also practitioners.
On successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to apply to register with Social Work England to work as a qualified social worker.
Many of our graduates have even transferred their qualification across the globe, with former students currently working in the USA, Canada and Australia.
Throughout the course, you’ll benefit from Kingston University’s Developing Together Teaching Partnership with local authorities and voluntary organisations. The partnership creates a leading community of social work education, academic research and frontline practice.
Why choose this course
While you study, you’ll benefit from top quality teaching at Kingston University. Not only are we ranked Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, we’re also top in London for Social Work (Guardian University Guide 2025).
Social Work Placements
Kingston University has a strong teaching partnership with a range of local social work agencies. You'll benefit from two contrasting placements totalling 170 days. We arrange your placements for you, making sure your practice experience aligns with the current and future requirements of the workforce. There are also opportunities to apply for internships at a particular partner to complete both your placements.
The Skills Lab
A portion of your learning will take place in our purpose-built Social Work Skills Lab, where you can develop professional assessment, intervention, mentoring, teaching and supervision skills.
The Skills Lab is a flexible, multi-functional space. It’s perfect for developing your creative and communication skills, as well as receiving feedback and simulating a range of environments. In the Lab, you’ll find a series of spaces fitted with cameras and microphones to record all activities. They include:
- A 20-person seminar/case conference room
- A living-room and front door to simulate home visits
- Five interview rooms simulating work environments
- A control room with a two-way mirror and viewing monitors
Sector-leading research
Many of our staff are active in research, often in partnership with NHS Trusts. That means they bring the latest thinking and best practice to your studies. Key social work research activity focuses on everything from risk and child abuse, children’s rights and adult safeguarding to professional education, mental capacity and more.
Kingston University is top in London for Social Work (Guardian University Guide 2025).
Accreditation
This course is accredited by Social Work England. On successful completion of this course, you’ll be able to apply to register with Social Work England to work as a qualified social worker.
Course content
You will gain the core knowledge, skills and values required for social work practice. On this programme you will learn about effective approaches to work with children and their families and adults at risk (including older adults, and mental health social work practice). You will study legal, policy and ethical frameworks for social work practice; human development; social work methods of assessment and intervention.
A specialist practice interest module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an in depth study in a chosen area of special interest and can be taken in a national or international setting.
Year 1
Core modules
30 credits
This module will enable you to build on your core skills and deepen your knowledge of diverse practice contexts by developing a critical understanding of the factors that impact on provision of social work services. In this module, you will develop an understanding of key contemporary issues in social work and gain awareness of how these developments underpin the provision of social work services, and the implications when applying social work theory. Learning will involve applying concepts from theory and research in lectures, interactive workshops, investigatory experiences and through formative and summative assignments.
30 credits
The focus of this module is to enable you to develop theoretical foundational knowledge of social work assessment and intervention methods, informed by psychological and sociological theories, and research. You will develop core skills to analyse and explain situations, draw hypotheses about potential outcomes, and select intervention methods to achieve desired outcomes. You will also develop skills in communication and knowledge in building, maintaining and sustaining relationships as well as critical reflection and analysis in order to evaluate interventions' effectiveness. Learning will involve applying concepts from theory and research in lectures, interactive workshops, and role plays in the skills lab, investigatory experiences and through formative and summative assignments.
30 credits
This module is a practice placement of seventy days, undertaken in an agency within the statutory or voluntary sector. We organise this placement for you, with the help of our Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership. You will be working alongside qualified social workers and social care staff and provided with learning opportunities. You will be supported and supervised by practice learning staff in your placement setting. You will be expected to evidence your developing practice throughout your placement, which will be assessed against the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF).
30 credits
This module will enable you to gain an understanding of human development that is underpinned by the value of difference and diversity. A life course perspective will inform the content of the module, incorporating key theoretical frameworks and research findings. There will be a critical focus on the interaction of social, political, cultural, economic and environmental influences on people's lives. Ideas of normative development, including key milestones in childhood and adolescence, will therefore be underpinned by a critical understanding of structural inequalities, which may affect individual development and perpetuate the difficulties experienced by some groups and communities. Relevance to social work will be highlighted through case studies, targeted reading, and facilitated discussions. Experiential and reflective learning will be promoted through a structured child observation task and reflective seminars.
30 credits
This module provides an introduction to law, ethics and policy for social work. You will gain a critical and applied understanding of frameworks that central to the decision making in social work practice. You will be introduced to specialist law, relevant to social work with children and families, youth justice, mental health, equality and adult safeguarding.
You will develop research skills to inform critical analysis and appraisal of law, ethics and policy considering tensions and possible implications for practice, such as systemic issues, power imbalances and discrimination.
Your learning opportunities are mapped to meet the requirements of legal literacy contained within the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) and the Knowledge and Skills Statements (KSS).
30 credits
This module runs throughout the first year and focuses on readiness for direct practice. It is an interactive module which includes skills workshops and a high level of involvement from service users, carers and practice educators from partner agencies. You will learn about the role and tasks of social workers and develop professional skills in verbal and written communication. You will have the opportunity to receive formative feedback on written work and on your communication skills. People with lived experience and carers provide simulated interviews in the Practice Learning Suite.
Year 2
Core modules
30 credits
You will explore existing research and analyse an area of inquiry that has relevance for social work. Through your capstone project, you are expected to contribute to existing research and social work knowledge concerning the topic selected. Following selection of your topic, you will read widely and build up a relevant literature review of research and publication in the area. You will link your literature review to relevant implications for the social work profession.
Through attendance at taught sessions, you will be able to classify research according to its epistemological position and methodological approach, and identify the advantages and disadvantages of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods in the social sciences by critically analysing research featured in a range of social work literature.
30 credits
This module is a final practice placement of one hundred days, undertaken in an agency within the statutory or voluntary sector. We organise this placement for you, with the help of ourDeveloping Together Social Work Teaching Partnership. You will be working alongside qualified social workers and social care staff and provided with learning opportunities to develop your autonomous practice. You will be supported and supervised by practice learning staff in your placement setting. You will build on your previous placement experience and knowledge and continue to evidence your practice to meet the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) at the final placement level.
30 credits
You will undertake an in-depth organisational study in a chosen area of special interest that has relevance to social work. Potential areas of study are specialist therapeutic interventions, rights, justice, promoting the wellbeing of service users, service user engagement; social work in allied health settings, social work and supra national organisations, management and quality assurance of services. These studies can be taken in a national or international context which will enable you to draw comparisons between different modes of service delivery and evaluate these.
Career opportunities
After you graduate
You will be eligible to register as a social worker with Social Work England. Previous graduates have gone on to work in children's services and family support, community care and adult services, adult or youth criminal justice and community, day, residential and health settings. Others have taken roles in mental health, disability, older adults, addictions and forensic services.
You can also use this qualification to work overseas, or even as a route into another programme of study. Development opportunities, training and awards are now established parts of the social work profession.
The Social Work Conference
Our annual social work research conference features keynote speakers, showcases research and gives staff and students the chance to present their work to an audience of academics and practitioners.
Social Work Seminars
Our free monthly seminars are open to all statutory, voluntary and private sector staff in local services organisations, as well as people with lived experience, carers and organisations we work with. Each one features a keynote speaker and presentation. For more information and booking, contact Rick Hood at Rick.Hood@kingston.ac.uk.
Social work internships
The Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership offers a number of unpaid student internships each year to both undergraduate and masters social work students studying at Kingston University.
Successful students will undertake two practice placements within their preferred local authority before being interviewed for a newly-qualified social worker position upon graduating.
Placements are available in a variety of practice settings and the scheme is ideal for students who have a clear idea of which organisation they might like to work for at the end of their degree. Organisations that have offered internships to date are:
- Achieving for Children (providing children's services for Kingston and Richmond)
- London Borough of Sutton (children's social work)
- London Borough of Merton (adult social work)
Other partners that may offer future opportunities are:
- London Borough of Croydon (adult social work)
- Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (adult social work)
- London Borough of Sutton (adult social work)
Applications for undergraduate students open in Spring each year (towards the end of the student's first year).
Teaching and assessment
You will become equipped with the core knowledge, skills and values required for social work practice. On this programme you will learn about effective approaches to work with children and their families and adults at risk (including older adults, and mental health social work practice). You will study legal, policy and ethical frameworks for social work practice; human development; social work methods of assessment and intervention.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking and preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS – the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 39% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Assessment typically comprises individual and group presentations, essays, case studies, portfolio, poster, feedback, practice assessment and final capstone project.
Year 1
- 78% coursework
- 22% practical
Year 2
- 67% coursework
- 33% practical
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £8,750 |
| Part Time | £4,375 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £16,100 |
| Part Time | £8,050 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £8,500 |
| Part Time | £4,250 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £15,500 |
| Part Time | £8,525 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
Interested in studying Master of Social Work (MSW) at Kingston? The following funding support is available:
Bursaries may be available for some full-time home students following the qualifying Master of Social Work (MSW) programme.
The Department of Health and Social Care has a bursary scheme for students taking the Master of Social Work programme, but not all students receive bursary funding. The Department of Health requires the university to rank students for bursary funding, and we do this on the basis of the scores obtained in the written test and interviews which are part of our selection process. This is a Department of Health scheme, and may be subject to change.
For more detailed information please go to the NHS bursary website.
Receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in your first year of study. Find out more
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full- and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni. Visit our alumni discount page to find out more.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
All English students can apply for a travel bursary of around £800 to help cover your placement travel costs in Years 2 and 3.
The University will pay for your application to be processed, but you’ll need to subscribe to the Update Service for £16 per year. This allows universities and potential employers to view any changes to your DBS.
The Social Work England renewal fee for qualified social workers is £90 a year.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to UCAS where you will complete your application. You should:
- Submit your application between the beginning of the September before you come to university and mid-January if you're a British or EU applicant
- Visit the UCAS website for exact dates and more information
- Complete your application in full, including your personal details and academic record
- Supply a reference and personal statement
- Submit your application as early as possible to have the best chance of receiving the right offers.
- The UCAS code for Kingston University is K84.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Sponsorship
If you have a sponsor, they need to complete the Tuition Fees Sponsorship Agreement form. It’s your responsibility to make sure they complete it fully and upload it with your application – otherwise you might be invoiced personally. If your sponsor needs a Purchase Order number on their invoice, please provide it on the sponsorship form. You should send the completed form to sponsorletters@kingston.ac.uk.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
