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Social Work and Sociology at UEA
Find out more about studying Social Work and Sociology at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA Advanced Social Work (Part Time)
Key details
- Attendance
- Part Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 5 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Course options
Other Start Dates
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UEA is ranked 4th overall for research quality in Social Work and Social Policy
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Ready to level up your social work career? Our MA Advanced Social Work programme enables you to take control of your professional development.
From developing your leadership skills, to understanding how to support young people as they transition into adulthood and even unpicking how you make judgements in your everyday work, this course gives you the tools to succeed.
At UEA, we’re internationally recognised for our world-leading social work research. On our MA in Advanced Social Work, you’ll be taught by subject experts who will share insights from cutting-edge research, helping you to develop confident, evidence-based practice.
This flexible, five-year part-time course is designed to allow you tailor your learning to your needs and career goals. With no fixed pathway, you’re able to choose the modules that align with your interests. One year you might focus on working with diverse people and communities; the next, you could explore the complex dynamics of home visits.
You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art library, including online resources such as e-books and journals, putting a world of social work research at your fingertips. You’ll also benefit from our student support services, including the (opens in a new window)Learning Enhancement Team(opens in a new window), who can help you refresh and strengthen your academic skills.
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Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Senior Social Worker/Advanced Practitioner
- Team Manager
- Approved Mental Health Professional
- Practice Educator
- Academic Tutor
Discover more on our Careers webpages(opens in a new window).
After the Course
As a graduate of the MA in Advanced Social Work, you’ll be well equipped to progress your career, whether that means moving into advanced or senior practitioner roles, stepping into management, or developing specialist expertise. The modules you complete will deepen your understanding of social work as a discipline whilst supporting your development in your chosen area of practice.
The course will also strengthen your skills in using and appraising research, as well as reflecting on and writing about your practice. Some graduates also go on to undertake doctoral study such as a PhD in social work.
Study and Modules
Structure
The course is designed to be flexible, giving you the option to create a bespoke route to achieving your MA. Our course offers both in-person and online modules, meaning wherever you're based, you can study with us.
You may begin by taking one of our modules designed for newly qualified social workers in their first two years of practice, giving you a strong foundation to work towards your award. Alternatively, you might join us later in your career to specialise as a practice educator or AMHP, or choose to study with us because a particular module aligns with your interests.
How you progress through the course is entirely up to you, and the modules you choose will be based on your preferences. Whatever area of social work you practise in, you’ll be able to engage in learning that’s relevant to your day-to-day work and helps you build knowledge and confidence in evidence-informed practice.
As you come to the end of your MA in Advanced Social Work, you may choose to undertake one of our year-long modules, which offer the opportunity to specialise or to complete a small research project within your area of practice. Whatever pathway you take, you’ll be supported by experienced academics who’ll give you space to reflect on your work and what it means to be a social worker.
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 180)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
This course provides a combination of live teaching and self-directed learning, giving you opportunities to work at your own pace alongside structured time to discuss and reflect on your learning with peers and academic staff.
Most modules are built around two to three full- or half-day live workshops, delivered either in person or online, depending on the module. You’ll also be provided with learning materials to work through at your own pace, including carefully selected readings, podcasts, and pre-recorded presentations. Online discussion boards give you opportunities to discuss the material with fellow students and receive input and feedback from the module teaching team.
In person and online workshops are designed to be engaging, encouraging you to make connections between your practice as a social worker and the material you're learning about on the course. We use a combination of direct teaching, small group activities, and whole group discussions to promote different types of learning and reflection.
Assessment
Assessment encourages you to think deeply about your work and make meaningful links between research, theory, and practice. Assessments on the course take the form of written coursework, giving you the opportunity to engage with the content, demonstrate your understanding and use of relevant research, and show how the learning relates to your role as a social worker.
Many assessments also encourage you to consider how you'll apply your learning from each module in your practice. As a result, assignments are not purely academic; they promote deep learning that can have a positive impact on how you work as a social worker.
In addition to feedback on the overall quality of your work, you’ll receive constructive feed-forward advice to help you continue developing your academic writing as you progress through the course.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Students need to have approval and be nominated by their employing local authority.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Please see Additional Course Fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.