Speak up if you want to bring change to the world.
— Dr. DaShanne Spokes
Masters in Social Work UK is designed for qualified social workers who have been struggling to find the right course. It is possible to go on and be accredited with the coveted Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work (PGDSW). This qualification will allow you to take your career on various paths and truly place you where your psychology degree can shine.
Students with a master's degree in social work in the United Kingdom can work as licenced social workers freelancers or for charitable and corporate organisations. A newly appointed social worker's annual salary is 22,000 GBP, with experience increasing to 40,000 GBP. Here is the blog that will give a comprehensive guide for Indian students who wish to study masters in social work in the UK. Let's get into it.
Table of Contents
- Why Study Masters in Social Work UK?
- Masters in Social Work UK - Course Highlights
- Top Universities for Masters in Social Work UK
- Masters in Social Work in UK Without IELTS
- Masters in Social Work UK: Eligibility
- Masters in Social Work UK: Admission Process
- Masters in Social Work UK: Documents Required
- Masters in Social Work UK Tuition Fees
- Study Masters in Social Work UK with Scholarships
- Jobs Prospects After Masters in Social Work UK
- Careers Scope After MS in Social Work in UK
- FAQs
Why Study Masters in Social Work UK?
- Within six months of graduation, approximately 83.6 per cent of social work graduates were placed in the relevant sector.
- The majority of graduates are employed in the legal, social, and welfare sectors, while childcare, health, and education work employ the majority of graduates.
- Children and Family Services had a shortage of over 2,442 social workers, according to the UK Shortage Occupation List 2019. Thus, students pursuing a master's degree in social work can easily find employment in the healthcare sector in the United Kingdom.
- According to reports, the UK has 106,000 social workers in 2021.
- Though the cost may appear to be high, there are numerous scholarships available for international students planning to pursue a master's degree in the UK.
- When applying, you will most likely need scores from English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and others.
Also Read: Masters in Social Work In Australia
Masters in Social Work UK - Course Highlights
Course Name |
Masters in Social Work in UK |
Course Duration |
1.5 years to 2 years |
Eligibility Criteria |
bachelor’s degree in social work (B.S.W./ B.A) or psychology, social science, sociology or any other related field |
English Proficiency Scores |
IELTS score of 6.0 and TOEFL score of 79 |
Tuition Fees |
17,400 GBP to 39,990 GBP per Annum |
Annual Salary |
98,900 GBP Per Annum |
Also Read: Masters in Social Work In Canada
Top Universities for Masters in Social Work UK
According to the QS News World Ranking for 2021, the top universities in the UK that offer master's degrees in social work are as follows.
The table below also includes the duration and programme fees for international students pursuing the degree.
University |
Course Program |
Course Duration |
Total Program Fees (in GBP) |
University of Edinburgh |
Masters in Social Work (MSW) |
1.9 years |
39,990 |
University of Manchester |
MA Social Work |
2 years |
38,000 |
University of Bristol |
MSc Social Work |
2 years |
38,400 |
University of Birmingham |
MA Social Work |
2 years |
36,900 |
University of Nottingham |
MA Social Work |
2 years |
38,340 |
University of York |
MA Social Work |
2 years |
36,480 |
University of Bath |
MRes in Social Work |
1 year |
17,400 |
University of Sussex |
MA in Social Work |
1.10 years |
33,920 |
Royal Holloway University of London |
MSc Social Work |
2 years |
33,600 |
University of Dundee |
MSc in Social Work |
1.10 years |
33,275 |
Masters in Social Work in UK Without IELTS
- University of Bath
- University of Bristol
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Dundee
- University of Sussex
- University of Sheffield
- Nottingham Trent University
- University of Strathclyde
Masters in Social Work UK: Eligibility
- Graduates from any discipline are eligible to pursue a Master's degree. Still, candidates with a bachelor's degree in social work (B.S.W./ B.A) or psychology, social science, sociology, or any other related field are given preference for a Master's degree in social work.
- A 2:1 Honours degree in an associated discipline (60 to 69% out of 100%) (usually Social Sciences disciplines)
- C+ / 4 (or equivalent) GCSE Maths and English
- Scores for English proficiency: TOEFL score of 79 and IELTS score of 6.0
- Work or volunteer experience in social services, health care, or education
- Shortlisted students must participate in interviews as part of the course requirements.
Masters in Social Work UK: Admission Process
Step 1: Compile a list of courses and universities
The first step in the application process is to narrow down your options for courses and universities based on your academic profile and preferences. Students can visit AECC Global which will assist you in shortlisting courses and universities and generate a list of universities where they are most likely to be accepted, allowing them to plan their application process ahead of time.
Step 2: Understand Your Deadlines
Step 3: Attend Entrance Exams
The third step in the UK university application process requires students to take tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or GRE/GMAT/LNAT/BMAT/MAT (in some courses). Students at some universities may be required to submit SAT or ACT exam scores. The Duolingo Test is a new addition to English proficiency tests that allow students to take the exam from the convenience of their homes and is accepted worldwide.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
The next step is gathering the necessary documents and test results for the application process. This means that students should begin writing their SOPs, obtaining letters of recommendation from teachers and supervisors, and organising their financial statements and other documents such as test scorecards. Students must download their COVID-19 pandemic vaccine certificates and specify the administered vaccine for the application.
Step 5: Begin Working on Your Application
Once all the documents are in order, students can begin the application process directly or through UCAS. Students interested in applying to UK universities that accept direct applications should start by visiting the official university website. They must choose courses, pay application fees, and start the online application process.
After all these application processes, Students must submit their entrance applications online when applying to institutions in the United Kingdom. UCAS is a safe online application system used by most UK universities and colleges for applying to full-time or part-time master's programmes. However, applications can be submitted through the relevant university application webpage.
ALSO READ: Masters in Negotiation in UK
Masters in Social Work UK: Documents Required
- Admission application form completed
- Academic transcripts with English translations from all educational institutions attended
- Evidence of English proficiency
- Resume
- Passport photocopy
Masters in Social Work UK Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for international students pursuing a master's degree in social work in the UK range from 17,400 GBP to 39,990 GBP. For Indian students, this equates to 39.2 lakh INR. In addition, you will need around 6,000-7,000 GBP per year to live in the UK.
The cost of studying in masters in social work in UK is tabulated:
Type of Expense |
Cost (in GBP) |
UCAS Application Fee |
20 |
Visa Application Fees |
348 |
IELTS Fee |
150 |
TOEFL Fee |
195- 200 |
Additionally, here we have listed the tuition fees based on the universities in the UK.
University |
Program Fees for Indian Students |
University of Edinburgh |
39.2 lakhs |
University of Manchester |
37.3 lakhs |
University of Bristol |
37.7 lakhs |
University of Birmingham |
36.2 lakhs |
University of Nottingham |
37.6 lakhs |
University of York |
35.8 lakhs |
University of Bath |
17.1 lakhs |
University of Sussex |
33.3 lakhs |
Royal Holloway University of London |
33 lakhs |
University of Dundee |
32.7 lakhs |
Study Masters in Social Work UK with Scholarships
- Partially covering a portion of tuition fees
- Complete: Refers to the total tuition fee.
- Other expenses include travel and living expenses, as well as tuition.
University |
Scholarships |
Awards |
University of Edinburgh |
Chevening Scholarships |
Full tuition fees |
UNESCO Scholarships |
Vary;] |
|
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation |
Full Tuition Fees |
|
University of Manchester |
Manchester Alumni Scholarship Schemes |
£3,000 |
GREAT Scholarships 2020 |
Vary |
|
University of Bristol |
Think Big Postgraduate Scholarships |
£5,000, £10,000 or £20,000 |
Phyllis Mary Morris Bursaries |
£2,000 |
|
University of Birmingham |
The Charles Wallace India Trust |
Fully-funded awards |
India Goa Education Trust Scholarships |
Full or partial Tuition Fee |
|
India Inlaks Scholarships |
Full tuition fees |
|
India Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships |
Up to Rs 6 lakh |
|
University of Nottingham |
Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship |
50% or 100% of tuition fees |
South Asia Postgraduate Excellence Award |
£4,000 |
|
University of York |
Academic Excellence Scholarships |
£2,500 to £15,000 |
GREAT Scholarships |
£10,000 |
|
Equal Access Scholarships |
£10,660 plus full fee waiver |
|
York Graduate Research School Scholarships for Overseas Research Students |
£15,000 per year (approx), plus fee waiver |
|
University of Bath |
Dean's Award for Academic Excellence |
£5,000 |
Global Leaders Scholarship |
||
University of Sussex |
Chancellor's Masters Scholarship |
£3,000 |
Sussex Graduate Scholarship |
£3,000 |
|
Dr. John Birch Music Scholarship |
£800 |
|
Sussex India Scholarship |
£3,000 |
|
The Asian University for Women Scholarship |
Full tuition fees |
|
Royal Holloway University of London |
Royal Holloway Principal's Masters Scholarship |
£4,000 |
University of Dundee |
Alumni Scholarship |
Up to £3,000 |
Global Excellence Postgraduate Taught Scholarship |
£5,000 |
|
Humanitarian Scholarship |
Up to £38,500 |
Jobs Prospects After Masters in Social Work UK
Social workers are professionals who help adults, children, families, and communities improve their lives. They defend and promote human rights and well-being. Over 66% of social work graduates in the United Kingdom began working as social workers within six months of their studies.
A social worker with less than one year of experience can earn around 33,600 GBP per year. Earnings can rise to over 98,900 GBP per year with time and experience.
Some job opportunities in the UK for master's in social work graduates include:
Job Title |
Average Annual Salary (in EUR) |
Social Worker |
42,500 |
Mental Health Consultant |
41,570 |
Teacher |
37,500 |
Counsellor |
27,746 |
Family Support Worker |
24,406 |
Child Care Service Manager |
36,000 |
Child, Family or School Social Worker |
23,000 |
Homeless Shelter Worker |
27,000 |
Careers Scope after MS in Social Work in UK
The chart below depicts some of the most popular employers for master's in social work graduates in the UK, along with the average annual salary offered.
If you enjoy assisting others and want to pursue a meaningful and rewarding career, a social work degree may be the best option. Depending on your interests, you could work with children, the elderly, people with mental illness, or those dealing with family, financial, or addiction issues. If you are socially conscious, kind, and want to change the world by assisting others, a master's degree in social work in the UK can lead to a challenging but advantageous career path.
After earning an MSW in the UK, one is eligible for senior-level positions and can increase their earnings based on the level of experience they have. Here are some examples of popular job profiles:
- Social Worker
- Teacher
- Community development worker
- Counsellor
- Life coach
- Volunteer coordinator
- Youth worker
Do you want to study Master of Social Work in the UK for the upcoming intakes? Then your wait will be over. Call our AECC Global experts to get your Master's in social work at your dream UK university. Our student assistance is Hassel-free.
FAQs About Masters in Social Work in UK
1. How much does it cost to study Social Work in the UK?
The cost of studying Social Work in the UK costs around 17,000 - 40,000 GBP.