Kingston University

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Be a part of someone’s life journey.

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.

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.