MSW Social Work

Upper second-class Honours degree, preferably in a social science discipline but graduates in other disciplines with an understanding of social sciences are welcome. Maths National 5 C/Applications of Mathematics National 5 C (or equivalent) or above. Applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient numerical, statistical and budgetary competence to deal with the demands of study and placement. An English qualification at the minimum of SCQF level 5 or equivalent is also required (or evidence of an Honours Degree). Where English is a second language, an IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 overall is required.

Suitable candidates must be able to demonstrate at least six months directly relevant experience in social work, social care, community work or a closely-related activity at the point of application or twelve months equivalent part-time experience. This is compulsory.

In exceptional cases where an applicant does not have a degree, the applicant may be considered if they have extensive professional experience showing career development and can demonstrate academic ability at postgraduate level, equivalent to SCQF Level 10 or above.

In general, we expect you to have had at least six months full-time work experience, or its equivalent in part-time work, at the point of the application.

We’re more concerned with the quality of experience than whether or not it’s paid. It’s useful to think about experience in three dimensions – duration, range and depth. While longer and more diverse experience is of great value, depth (or quality) is perhaps more important since this is what allows learning and professional development. Often experience is 'deeper' in contexts where supervision is offered regularly, allowing for in-depth discussion in practice issues and dilemmas. Undertaking relevant reading and training while working often helps people to deepen the quality of their work experience. 

Criteria for work experience

The following indicate the criteria we look at in considering the relevance and suitability of your work experience. Does it:

• involve direct contact with people either as service users, eg individuals, families or groups where the focus is on helping them live with or manage major difficulties in their lives, or in stimulating collaborative ventures to seek social change?
• develop critical awareness of the range, depth and complexity of social and personal problems and the variety of individual and agency responses which can address these?
• develop basic knowledge of the functions of social work, social care and/or community development agencies?
• develop skills in helping other people in difficulty eg skills in identifying and assessing problems, jointly planning and supporting a response to them or coping with stress?
• does it provide opportunities to reflect on, and take action to combat, discrimination and oppression in people's lives?
• generate an awareness and an ability to act in the light of the value dilemmas involved in both helping activities and social change activities eg reflecting on the tensions between individual rights and freedoms and collective social obligations?

Relevant work settings

• work may be undertaken in a wide variety of settings eg community-based offices, residential provision, day care services, community organisations
• work may be carried out with a range of client groups – commonly people who experience various forms of disadvantage
• it should be supervised by a member of staff of the status and experience to provide a reference indicating suitability for entry to social work education

The kinds of personal qualities which we look for in an applicant include:

• ability to convey genuine warmth and interest in people
• ability to see strengths and potential in even the most difficult circumstances and people
• genuine interest in difference and diversity and an obvious ability to adapt and change
• willingness to question conformity and risk discomfort in challenging attitudes which encourage discrimination and complacency
• ability to support people who live with difficult, sometimes worsening circumstances
• ability to help people set and follow their own agendas while being capable of asserting your authority where their welfare requires it
• being level-headed and helpful in the face of people's distress, pain and anger, even when it's turned on you
• quiet confidence in your own ability and the capacity to argue and defend your views in a constructive way
• satisfaction in helping manage and, where possible, resolve conflict, but never at the expense of sacrificing the interests of vulnerable people
• taking enjoyment from both using your own initiatives as well as working accountably as part of team
• ability to accept constructive criticism and learn from your mistakes
• passion to fight for the rights of disadvantaged people
• have a non-judgemental attitude

The communication skills which we would expect applicants to demonstrate would include the capacity to:

• engage appropriately with a wide range of people
• communicate expressively, fluently and convincingly in verbal and written form
• understand, calculate and present accurately, basic numerical and financial information
• possess at least a basic understanding of information and communication technology and be able to acquire sufficient competence by the end of Year 1/level 1 of the course

All entrants must register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and meet suitability criteria regarding offending history, employment record, etc.