Department of Social Work and Social Care

Postgraduate study

We offer attractive opportunities for postgraduate research and study in social work and welcome applications from high-quality candidates who are keen to pursue a challenging but rewarding degree at postgraduate level.

Social work at Sussex was ranked 3rd in the UK in The Times Good University Guide 2012, 4th in The Complete University Guide 2012-13, and 17th in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2013.

Our core research themes are pedagogy of professional education, policy and practice across the life-course, and professional knowledges and methodologies. We are also home to the new Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth (CIRCY).

There is a developing portfolio of flexible study opportunities for practitioners from a wide range of disciplines, and for those interested in pursuing research qualifications. The MSc in Social Research Methods offers ESRC-recognised research training in social work research methods. Our thriving DSW and ESRC-recognised PhD programmes provide excellent opportunities for disciplinary and interdisciplinarity doctoral-level study. 

Relationships with local social welfare agencies are excellent. Joint projects include development, training and research initiatives. 

Note that Post-qualifying (PQ) awards have now been replaced by Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules for those who already hold a social work qualification. For more information, visit CPD in Social Work.

Sussex actively encourages both school-leavers and mature entrants from all over the world and from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities or other special needs. We are proud of our multicultural student body and the vibrant atmosphere of our beautiful campus.

For details of our postgraduate taught and research degrees, refer to the 2012 Postgraduate Prospectus.

Our postgraduate taught degrees are:

Popular with practising social workers are our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) modules and courses. These include:

Our doctoral research degree courses include:

For more information about research training and funding opportunities, refer to: 

The School of Education and Social Work prides itself on its academic staff's expertise in the study of childhood and youth in both the Department of Education and the Department of Social Work and Social Care.

We welcome applications for our multidisciplinary MA in Childhood and Youth Studies course from candidates who are keen to pursue a broad, challenging and rewarding degree. Local and international students are welcomed, the participatory nature of both courses providing opportunities to share and develop interests in working with children and young people in a broad range of environments and contents. Both degrees prepare graduates for a diverse range of careers, or for further study.