We offer specialist pathways for social work professionals experienced in public, voluntary and private sector settings:
- Leadership and Management - the advanced study of public service organisations, their management and the changing external contexts in which they operate.
- Practice Education - a broad-based examination of management and practice issues in relation to teaching and learning in the social care workplace.
The aim of this programme is to critically examine the relationship between professional practice and research in the context of contemporary national and international policy and organisational change.
To Apply
You should apply using the University's online application form. You can find more details on our 'Apply' page.
If you are interested in studying modules as short courses please contact us for details.
Deadlines
Applications can be submitted at any time although we would encourage applicants to apply before the end of May. If you are seeking financial support for your postgraduate studies, we recommend that you apply before the end of February so you have time to gather the necessary documentation for your funding body/sponsor.
MSc modules
If applying for one of our MSc programmes, please specify the optional modules you intend to take, if known.
References
For all applications, two academic references are required. Unfortunately we cannot consider applications until we have received both references.
Programme Structure
Leadership and Management pathway:
This pathway is for managers (staff or committee members) working in organisations in the voluntary, public and private sectors, who are delivering services to the public.
The purpose of the programme is four-fold:
- the advanced study of public service organisations, their management and the changing external context in which they operate
preparation for and/or development of a career in the public or voluntary sector by developing skills at a professional or equivalent level, or as preparation for research or further study in the area - development of the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of management and leadership to complex issues in public service delivery, both systematically and creatively
- enhancement of lifelong learning skills, personal and professional development so as to be able to work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to public sector and voluntary organisations and society at large
Practice Education pathway:
This pathway offers a broad-based examination of management and practice issues in relation to teaching and learning in the workplace. A central theme is the critical analysis of practice and the development of evidence-informed educational practice that supports positive change and the development of management, teaching, supervision and assessment skills.
Key Facts
Social Work Studies at the University of Southampton has a well established reputation for the provision of specialist post-qualification programmes in the social and health care fields.
Typical entry requirements
Leadership and Management pathway
We normally expect applicants to be managers or to identify a clear goal of progressing to management in the public, voluntary or private sectors. Applicants should possess a good honours degree in a social sciences or related subject.
If you are an experienced manager without a first degree, or, if you do not have 'manager' or 'leader' in your job title but you are carrying out 'management functions', your application may also be considered. In these situations you should use the online application form and interview to demonstrate your suitability for the course.
Practice Education pathway
We normally expect applicants to currently be social work or health and social care staff based in statutory, voluntary, private and independent sector organisations who are one or more of the following:
- Managers and assessors concerned with the implementation of quality, high standard services within a change culture
- Teachers engaged with student learning and development
- Mentors involved in assisting others to learn in the workplace
- Supervisors of students and other learners
- Trainers with an interest in continuous professional and workforce development
- Development Officers concerned about the application of knowledge and research in practice
- Leaders in the development of training and education
You should have a good honours degree in social sciences or related area and a minimum of two years post-qualification experience.
There is a requirement for you to manage, supervise and teach a social care/social work student while they are undertaking the postgraduate certificate (year one of the programme).
Selection process
This programme is for graduates and/or those professionals qualified to a minimum of Dip/HE level, with two years post-qualifying experience. In addition, there are additional entry requirements dependent on which pathway is chosen.
After receiving your application, candidates who meet the entry criteria will be offered an interview.
This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about
equivalent
entry requirements and qualifications for your country.
Typical course content
The programme is studied over one year full-time or two years part-time, with the dissertation taking a further six months for those on the part-time route. It is structured mainly in one-week teaching blocks to take account of the needs of those registered on a part-time basis.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Tuition fees
Fees for postgraduate taught courses vary across the University. All fees are
listed for UK,
EU and international full-time and part-time students alphabetically by course
name.
Funding
Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you
through your course.
Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or
your country of origin.
These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.
Costs associated with this course
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
Leadership and Management pathway
Modules that must be completed within this pathway:
Practice Education pathway
Modules that must be completed within this pathway:
Practice Education (Advanced Social Work)
Modules that must be completed within this pathway:
Leadership and Management (Advanced Social Work)
Modules that must be completed within this pathway:
Research Methods pathway
Modules that must be completed within this pathway:
