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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate the MA in Social Work
This course will enhance your knowledge of social work theory and legislation, apply your learning to practice, and develop your critical and analytical skills as a qualified practitioner. The subject matter is interdisciplinary, derived from psychology, sociology, social policy, law and social work studies. It includes an embedded, professionally qualifying Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, which has been approved as a qualifying award for social workers in England by Social Work England (SWE) and in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits. You’ll study three 60-credit modules. The modules must be studied in the order shown below.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
Developing social work practice (K832)
Developing social work practice is the first of two compulsory modules leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work which is a professionally qualifying award.
Next start date: 30 Jan 2027
See full description
6030 Jan 2027
Advancing social work practice (K833)
Advancing social work practice is the second of the two compulsory modules leading to our Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work which is a professionally qualifying award.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
6003 Oct 2026
Advancing professional practice (K805)
Develop knowledge and skills relating to leading Service Improvement Projects in Health and Social Work.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
6003 Oct 2026
You’ll be required to attend compulsory practice skills workshops on K832 and K833, and a compulsory day school (or online alternative) on K832.
By studying the MA in Social Work, you’ll:
You’ll study through a blend of online learning, workshops and supported practice placements.
You’ll be awarded a Master of Arts in Social Work upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters MA (Soc SW) (Open) after your name.
Your masters degree may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
Most students study the MA in Social Work part-time, completing the qualification in 30 months by successfully completing the modules in sequence.

The average study time is 12–15 hours each week, but this will be considerably higher during periods of practice-based learning when you will typically be required to attend the placement setting four days per week for up to 25 weeks at a time.

You must finish the first two modules of the MA in Social Work within five years and complete the qualification within nine years.
Your module website serves as your primary resource for learning. It brings together weekly planners, online readings, videos, interactive activities and guidance on assessments. Discussion forums help you connect with fellow students and explore ideas together.
The MA combines online academic study with supervised practice learning. You will study theory, research, policy and ethics through distance learning modules, then apply this knowledge directly in practice settings. This blended approach helps you build the critical thinking and professional capabilities required for social work.
You will be supported through online tutorials, personal feedback and one-to-one guidance from your academic tutor. You will also participate in practice skills workshops and a compulsory residential weekend or its online equivalent. These sessions help you develop communication, assessment and reflective skills that are essential in practice.
Practice learning sits at the heart of the qualification. You will complete two substantial placements, supported by a qualified practice educator and overseen by a practice tutor. Placements give you experience of direct work with people in a range of settings, helping you build professional confidence and competence.
You will complete written assignments and online activities that assess your understanding of social work theory and your ability to analyse complex situations. During placements, your competence will be assessed through direct observation, supervision discussions and reflective evidence. You will also complete a work-based project in the final stage of the MA.
Your studies are supported by accessible online and printed materials, regular tutor contact and guidance from practice educators during placements. Dedicated student support teams, the OU library, IT services and the wider student community are available throughout your studies.
The full MA in Social Work includes the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (E85), which is only available for study in England and Scotland. It is approved as a social work qualifying award in England by Social Work England (SWE), subject to meeting registration requirements, and in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), subject to conditions.
Applicants will be required to have an honours degree with a minimum 2:2 classification in any discipline together with a proven record of experience of engaging directly with Service Users in a professional setting. Candidates’ experience will be considered individually on application, but we would normally expect a minimum of one year's experience – either paid or voluntary – in a setting such as a local authority or a health or social care provider in the private, voluntary or independent sector.
Applicants who do not meet the work experience requirement but hold a 2:1 classification in a cognate discipline will also be considered. Relevant subjects include:
In addition, you must:
You must be supported by your employer, who must undertake to provide the required practice learning opportunities. Applications for this qualification can only be made via the supporting agency.
You can apply for credit transfer towards the Masters degree in Social Work if you hold a qualifying Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work which meets the requirements of the relevant social work regulator for a qualifying award. It must have been completed within the last 4 years and equate to at least 120 credits at Masters level (FHEQ level 7, SCQF level 11).
Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details on how to apply for credit transfer.
The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2026/27 information will be published on the 25th of March.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£12,575*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Learn more about postgraduate loans and our other funding options below.
Repay in monthly instalments while you study.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
Students can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (E85) and decide later whether to continue to the full Master of Arts (MA).
Further information and details on how to apply are available from the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care website.
This is a broad qualification that spans children and families, adults, and mental health social work, and prepares graduates to work in a range of settings, including local authorities, healthcare providers, and the private, voluntary, and independent sectors. ​
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Successful completion of the embedded Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work acts as a social work qualifying award in England by Social Work England (SWE) and in Scotland by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
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