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.

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.

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

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

These are the Universities in UK that offer a master's degree without IELTS for Indian students.
  • 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

Before beginning their application to UK universities, international students must consult a well-researched guide:

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

The next step is to learn the exact deadlines for the universities and colleges in the United Kingdom to which you intend to apply. International students must begin the application process as soon as possible (one year to 6 months before the deadline). This ensures students can complete all college requirements, including SOP, letters of recommendation, English proficiency tests, funding/scholarship options, and housing.

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.

Masters in Social Work UK: Documents Required

When applying for a master's degree in social work in the United Kingdom, you must have the following documents with you:

  • 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

Scholarships for international students in the United Kingdom are classified into three types:

  • 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.

Some of these scholarships are available at various universities in the United Kingdom that offer master's degrees in social work:

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

2. What is the eligibility for studying master's in Social Work in the UK?

Eligibility for studying master's in Social Work in the UK:

  • Must have completed an Upper Second Class Honors degree in a relevant subject.
  • Must have relevant work experience of more than 3 months in a Health, Education or Social Care Environment.
  • Must have studied GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above.

3. How much does an MSW cost in the UK?

A master's in Social Work in the UK costs around 17,700 to 39,990 GBP.

4. Is MSW in demand in the UK?

Yes. Master graduates in the Social Work discipline are some of the many in-demand professionals in the UK.