MSc Social Work Research 12 months Postgraduate Programme By University of Bristol |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

26,000 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

25 Jul, 2025Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

Social WorkMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Social Work

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

This programme creates links between social work research and practice in a range of settings. You will be taught the necessary skills to undertake research into social work and social care as a practice-based professional, a postgraduate research student or a policy-focused professional.



This degree will help you acquire vital tools to maximise your work in addressing genuine issues of concern with policymakers, managers, practitioners and service users in social work and social care.



The programme provides core research training in philosophy and research design in the social sciences, along with introductions to, and further approaches in, quantitative and qualitative methods in the social sciences. It has a particular emphasis on co-produced research involving communities that are often marginalised or excluded from the process.



While the programme primarily focuses on 'research methods', it also has a clear focus on social justice and how research can improve policy and the lives of those it impacts. You can choose an optional unit from a range of policy areas such as child and family welfare, gender and violence, health and social care, poverty and social exclusion, and policy-oriented evaluation. The programme also provides the opportunity to further investigate policy areas of interest through the assignments and dissertation.



We recognise that many of our students will have relevant experience as researchers, service managers/planners or policy advisers, and there will be space for you to reflect on and share your expertise in these fields; providing an opportunity to learn from your peers.



Some units are taught in collaboration with other postgraduate programmes, providing a co-learning environment where you can interact and share insights with students working towards research degrees in public policy and policy research.



Please note: This programme does not include practical training or lead to a professional qualification in social work. If you want to study for a qualification in social work practice, please see the MSc in Social Work.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Social Work

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

On Campus

This programme creates links between social work research and practice in a range of settings. You will be taught the necessary skills to undertake research into social work and social care as a practice-based professional, a postgraduate research student or a policy-focused professional.



This degree will help you acquire vital tools to maximise your work in addressing genuine issues of concern with policymakers, managers, practitioners and service users in social work and social care.



The programme provides core research training in philosophy and research design in the social sciences, along with introductions to, and further approaches in, quantitative and qualitative methods in the social sciences. It has a particular emphasis on co-produced research involving communities that are often marginalised or excluded from the process.



While the programme primarily focuses on 'research methods', it also has a clear focus on social justice and how research can improve policy and the lives of those it impacts. You can choose an optional unit from a range of policy areas such as child and family welfare, gender and violence, health and social care, poverty and social exclusion, and policy-oriented evaluation. The programme also provides the opportunity to further investigate policy areas of interest through the assignments and dissertation.



We recognise that many of our students will have relevant experience as researchers, service managers/planners or policy advisers, and there will be space for you to reflect on and share your expertise in these fields; providing an opportunity to learn from your peers.



Some units are taught in collaboration with other postgraduate programmes, providing a co-learning environment where you can interact and share insights with students working towards research degrees in public policy and policy research.



Please note: This programme does not include practical training or lead to a professional qualification in social work. If you want to study for a qualification in social work practice, please see the MSc in Social Work.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
67+
3.3+
85+
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in a social science discipline: Sociology, Social Care, Social Work, Social Policy, Social Welfare, Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, Management, Social Administration, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Health, History, Philosophy, Law. We may consider subject not listed above if (a) 2.1 in any subject AND Masters degree in Social Work or (b) professional qualification in Social Work and 12 months relevant work/voluntary experience in social care role (CV required).

25 Jul 2025
1 Year
Sep

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Tuition fees

Domestic
13,400 GBP
International
26,000 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

More programmes from the university

MA Law arrows

MA Law Programme

Go to Programme ::type_cta_button::

Videos & media

Videos & media

media_view_gallery View Gallery
Postgrad Programmes 69