The academic team responsible for our postgraduate social work courses conducts varied research and work closely with frontline partners to inform the development of social work best practice. Their input will help you become a well-rounded and supportive practitioner, whatever field of social work you move into.
As the first Teaching Partnership in the Southwest of England with Dorset Council, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council and Wiltshire Council, we have close working relationships with many partners in public, private and voluntary services, ensuring that your studies are relevant for practice and your chosen career. You’ll be supported by our committed, creative and professional staff who add a positive dimension to your learning, bringing a range of experience to your studies to inspire you with their enthusiasm.
Once students have qualified, we offer post-qualifying qualifications that are delivered by our nationally recognised National Centre for Post-Qualifying Social Work and Professional Practice. The Centre has worked with over 59% of local authorities in England delivering education to their social workers.
We also offer a Master’s by Research and PhDs in social care and social sciences, for students to explore a research area of their choice under the guidance of an experienced supervisory team.
Our Seldom Heard Voices Research Centre provides focus for interdisciplinary collaboration around social research. This offers learning and research opportunities to engage with marginalised communities and excluded or silenced voices, particularly through user-led and participatory co-created research.
Postgraduate research courses
For social care and social sciences research, there are opportunities to work closely with the well-established research centres and institutes within the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences.
CPD courses
We understand that fitting study in and around your busy working life can be a challenge, so we have a number of flexible courses that allow you to study bite-sized units at your convenience, while working towards a final qualification, such as a Master’s award. You may wish to try one unit at a time or more, or enrol on a full programme – the choice is yours. Browse our full range of CPD options.
Professor Sam Porter
Head of the Department of Social Sciences & Social Work
Our postgraduate courses provide preparation for future social workers as well as ensuring that those currently engaged in social work and social care can attain continuing professional skills to develop and enable excellent practice.
