MA Social Work Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

What does this programme aim to do?

The MA Social Work programme aims to educate and train individuals to be reflective, research-minded Social Work practitioners who are able to work critically and professionally, in accordance with the principles of anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice.

Is the Programme full-time?

Yes – you will be expected to be available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday to study in the University and attend placements.

How many days will I spend in practice learning?

There are 170 placement days, with the working week divided between time in the University and time on placement. While we aim to start these placements as early as possible, there are many constraints which mean that the start date will vary from placement to placement. The placement day is an 8 hour day (including a 1 hour lunch break).

Will the placements be close to Brunel or my home?

The placement team will try to locate a placement for you as close as possible to your home address. However, proximity needs to be balanced with other factors, such as the need to have experience in different settings. While most placements are located in London and the surrounding areas, you may have to travel up to 2 hours (each way) to attend your placement. 

What is the timetable for the Programme?

Unfortunately we don’t know until September as it varies from year to year and depends on the University’s timetable. You will be given your timetable as soon as you start your course.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods including written examination, essay, report and dissertation. Your practice learning will also be assessed by a portfolio, and you must pass these to pass the programme.

Can I apply for a bursary?

The NHS Business Services Authority currently administers a postgraduate Bursary on behalf of the Department for Health which is available to students ordinarily resident in England studying on an approved full-time postgraduate course. Brunel’s MA course is approved. The Bursary consists of a non-income assessed basic grant that varies in value, a contribution towards practice learning opportunity related expenses (such as travel) and tuition fee support up to a capped amount. It also includes an income-assessed maintenance grant that varies in value and income-assessed allowances of various values to assist with certain costs of living. The Department of Health is currently consulting on reforming the bursary with changes planned to take place from the 2013 academic year.

How do I apply for a bursary?

You need to contact the NHS Business Services Authority for full details on eligibility and to request an application pack. You should look at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk for eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for this programme?

You need to apply through UCAS (UCAS code: L508; Short form of course: MA/SW)

How do you select students?

This is a highly selective programme. We receive applications through UCAS. We invite those applicants who have satisfied our educational entry requirements to a selection day where they undertake a written test. Those passing the test are invited to stay on in the afternoon to take part in a group exercise and individual interview. We take into account all aspects of the selection process including performance on this day along with written references to make offers to the most suitable candidates.

What are the educational entry requirements?

A good honours degree (at least a 2:2) in a related subject (such as Social Work, Sociology, Social Policy, Politics, Psychology; Law; Health and/or Social Care). Holders of other degrees will require a minimum of a 2:1. All candidates must have GCSE Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics, or an acceptable equivalent. All applicants must also possess appropriate basic IT skills prior to the start of the programme.

What do I need to include on my personal statement?

Your personal statement is used to give us an idea of how well prepared you are to undertake our course. In completing your personal statement you need to: demonstrate an understanding of the aims of Social Work; recognise the positive effects of Social Work intervention; show awareness of the multi-disciplinary nature of Social Work; comment on the personal qualities that make you suitable for the course – substantiated by relevant examples. You must comment on the insights you have gained into Social Work through your experiences and should demonstrate an understanding of the role of research in informing Social Work practice.

Do I need to have Social Work experience?

There is no formal requirement for a set amount of time spent getting work experience. However you will need to demonstrate what you have learnt from your own life/educational/work/voluntary experiences as appropriate to your life stage and how these have prepared you for a career in social work.

Do I need to have a criminal records check, even if I have previously had a CRB check?

Yes a satisfactory criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service must be received prior to registration on the programme. You must declare all criminal convictions on this and meet any costs associated with it. You will need to pay for this check and it currently costs £51.86. A satisfactory health check must also be completed prior to registration on the programme.

How much does accommodation at Brunel cost?

Accommodation currently varies from £94.01/week for a standard room, £119.77/week for an ensuite room up to £180.09/week for a studio flat. These prices will be reviewed in June 2013 for 2013/14.

Do you make allowances for applicants with disabilities?

Yes, the modes of assessment are appropriately adjusted for disabled applicants where not doing so could lead to the applicant experiencing disadvantage.

When will I hear if my application has been successful or unsuccessful?

You should receive our decision within three weeks of attending an interview.

How many references do I need?

You will need two references. One needs to be an academic reference and the other a character reference. The second reference should be given by someone who can testify to your suitability for social work (such as a past employer). This person should be someone who is able to comment on how your experiences (paid/voluntary/within the community) have prepared you for a career in social work.