At Durham University we use the global definition of social work, and our Masters in Social Work degree emphasises the connections between local and global issues in social work practice. We offer you a broad foundation for social work underpinned by the global definition of social work and emphasise the connections between local and global issues in social work practice.

Our approach to social work education is considered to be world-leading and in November we came 1st place in the Social Work of the Year Awards 2022 and are recognised as University of the Year. This is because all of our modules are taught by leading experts in their fields which will give you the chance to engage in lively debates about key social work issues when you become a Durham University social work student.

The Masters of Social Work is a 21-month course engaging you with the knowledge, skills and values that underpin social work practice with individuals, groups, and communities. Academic study is complemented by two practice placements with different service user groups. Practice experience of statutory interventions with children and families or ‘vulnerable adults’ is complemented by opportunities for innovative practice in the voluntary and independent sectors in areas such as family justice, contextual safeguarding, transnational social work, homelessness, substance use, domestic violence, disability, mental health, and neurodiversity, sexual exploitation, community interventions, and self-advocacy.

The Northern Echo:

With significant involvement of service users, carers, and practice partners throughout the course, the Masters in Social Work provides strong foundations for practice in any field of social work. Our approach to social work education reflects the connections between individuals, their families, and communities.

Our Masters of Social Work programme has an excellent reputation in professional practice, and our graduates lead the way in shaping the field of social work locally and globally. Our academic staff are closely aligned with our department’s five research themes which are, Communities and Social Justice, Health and Social Theory, Violence and Abuse, Criminal Justice, Social Harms, and Inequalities and Higher Education and Social Inequality. These research themes underpin our distinctive identity as a social work team. Thus, there is a very strong demand for Durham social work graduates by employers in local authorities and non-government organisations regionally, nationally, and internationally. Durham social work graduates have been able to transfer their registration to other countries including Australia, Canada, Scotland, and the USA.

The Northern Echo:

Our Masters in Social Work programme not only prepare students for professional practice but also a career in research or academia. Thus, many of our students also decide that they want a career in research and continue their studies at postgraduate level by completing a PhD.

Social Work at Durham has a limited number of bursaries available for eligible students and places are still available for students wishing to join us this year. Bursaries contribute to student tuition fees and provide support with living costs, placements, and travel. If you are interested in our programme you will find us on the Department of Sociology webpage at Durham University or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @DurhamSociology

Hope to meet you in September if not before!

Yours truly,

Durham Social Work Team