Undergraduate School of Education and Social Sciences ⭐ Professional Accreditation

University of the West of Scotland

MSc Social Work

The MSc in Social Work reflects the differences, debates and tensions within social work, preparing you for a global working environment.

Paisley September

Duration

2 years, full-time

IELTS (min)

6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)

Course overview

About the Course

Our two-year MSc Social Work is professionally accredited by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and will enable you to qualify as a social worker. The course combines the development of critical knowledge and practical skills required to play a crucial role in improving people's lives.

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The degree offers a challenging and stimulating range of learning opportunities that will equip graduates with the key attributes necessary to work effectively in an increasingly globalised and pluralistic working environment.

Programme structure

Course Modules

Explore the academic structure of this programme year by year.

  • Foundations of Social Work Practice (Core, 40 Credits)
  • Learning Key Lessons from Service Failures (Core, 20 Credits)
  • Research Methods in Social Work (Core, 20 Credits)
  • Social Work Law (Core, 40 Credits)
  • Social Work Practice One (PG) (Core, 40 Credits)
  • Social Work Practice Two (PG) (Core, 40 Credits)
  • MSc Social Work Dissertation (Core, 60 Credits)

Tuition information

Tuition Fees

2026/2027 Academic Year

Scholarships Available
£16,275 for the first year of study (two-year course)

*Fees shown are the international (all other EU plus non-EU) rate for the first year of this two-year course, 2026/27. Scottish, UK and Republic of Ireland, and Channel Island/Isle of Man rates differ — see the official course page for the full breakdown.

English language

Entry Requirements

English language proficiency requirements for direct master's entry.

6.0

IELTS Score Required

Minimum 5.5 in each individual component

Accepted alternatives

Other recognized tests

This is UWS's standard requirement for postgraduate taught degrees; alternative English qualifications are evaluated case-by-case.

Maximum Exemptions Available

Professional Accreditation

This course is professionally accredited by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), enabling you to qualify as a social worker.

SSSC

Scottish Social Services Council

Registration with the SSSC is a legal requirement to practise as a social worker in Scotland; the University also requires PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) membership.

Official admissions guidance

Academic Entry Requirements

We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis. If your qualifications aren't listed on the official course page, UWS takes a range of factors into account, including relevant professional experience.

Our admissions advisors are prepared to review your background and confirm your entry eligibility.

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Official course information

This page is based on official material published by the University of the West of Scotland.