Master Social Work (Children and Families) - Máster en Trabajo Social (Infancia y Familia)

This fast-track social work course, with a focus on children, young people and their families, enables trainee social workers to build upon their existing knowledge and skills, and develop the expertise required for social work practice.

Essential criteria

You will need:

a degree-level qualification in any discipline except social work from a UK higher education institute or an approved overseas equivalent
a minimum 2:2 level 6 degree qualification, for example, an honours degree or a graduate certificate
to have GCSEs in English or English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent)
to have completed your degree (final year students are not eligible to apply)
to show evidence of your qualifications (such as certificates) and be able to upload this to the application form – this is mandatory for overseas qualifications (please ensure you have relevant electronic versions to hand prior to submitting your application)
to have a minimum of 6 months full-time (or equivalent) direct experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families/carers or adults, either in a paid or voluntary capacity
to live in England
a driving licence and use of a vehicle in some locations, or to confirm that you’ll be able to travel for work if you do not have a vehicle
to complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check ​

If you already hold an undergraduate degree and are interested in specialising in work with children and young people, this is the ideal social work course option
This course is an intensive full-time training programme that could see you start a career as a social worker in just 14 months, whilst receiving a Department for Education bursary in addition to course fees
This generic social work qualification covers all aspects of child and family social work and working with adults required to be eligible for registering with Social Work England as a Social Worker
The Department of Education funds this course through Local Authorities including Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council, Dorset County Council and Wiltshire Council
Statutory placements throughout the course mean you will gain lots of relevant experience operating in real-world settings and will develop strong working relationships with those already in the profession
You’ll have the option to continue your studies from a Postgraduate Diploma to a Master’s by undertaking a dissertation and a service improvement project, which will be self-funded.

Core units

Introduction to and Readiness for Direct Practice in Social Work (for Children and Families in Social Work): The aim of this unit is to enable you to gather and present evidence of readiness to enter your first practice placement, using reflection and analysis of how your study has helped you understand the role of the social worker, and the importance of using knowledge in future practice.

Human Development Across the Life Course: The aim of the unit is for you to develop knowledge and understanding of human development theories and apply them to practice situations. This will enable you to understand how human development theories are applicable to social work practice and to enable you to develop critical knowledge to explore the theories relevance to different people and situations.

Law for Social Work with Children and Families: You will understand powers and duties as a Social Worker in the statutory context. You will gain knowledge of Human Rights that underpin English law and Social Work practice standards, as stipulated by the regulator. The unit also develops skills and knowledge for professional decision making in the context of English law, whilst taking into account ethics and values in Social Work practice.

Applying Social Work Models and Methods for Social Work with Children and Families: The main aim of this unit is to assist you in developing assessment, intervention, ethical, reflective and collaborative skills in social work. These skills are essential for social workers to provide holistic support to individuals, families and communities.

Working with Adults, Parents and Carers: The unit contextualises social work through reference to historical and contemporary social work practice issues. This includes approaches to intervention, the legislative framework which mandates practice, professional accountability, applying critical thinking, working with risk and complexity, safeguarding adults, and the importance of evidence-informed practice.
Working with Children and their Families:The aim of this unit is to develop knowledge and understanding of the social work role in the context of professional practice with children and their families, including legal and policy frameworks, responsibilities, professional accountability and key knowledge and skills. There will be an emphasis on keeping the child at the centre of practice and ensuring that the child’s voice is always heard. The full range of risks to children will be explored, including the impact of poverty and inequality, parental mental ill health, substance misuse, domestic abuse and health and disability, on parenting.

First Substantive Placement for Social Work with Children and their Families: You will gain essential practice experiences required in meeting the regulations of the professional body.
Final Substantive Placement for Social Work with Children and Families: You will gain essential practice experiences required in meeting the regulations of the professional body.

Employment opportunities include work within Local Authorities´ Children and Families teams and all aspects of social work with children, young people and their families.