Social Work MA

Key information

Duration:
22 months full time
Start date:
September 2025
Apply by:
The initial deadline is 31 January 2024 but late applications will be considered

You’ll benefit from a range of stimulating learning opportunities. Taught by our academic faculty, practitioners and experts by experience, you’ll also get to work with service-users and carers.

You’ll work within a supportive study environment. This will help you develop crucial skills for independent and collaborative learning.

Learn from people influencing social care. We work with local social welfare agencies on joint projects. These include development, training and research initiatives.

The MA in Social Work is a generic social work qualification. This means you’ll gain knowledge in a wide range of areas, ready to work in practice contexts that support, among others:

  • vulnerable children, young people and families
  • adults and older people
  • people experiencing mental health, disability, substance use or homelessness challenges
  • asylum seekers and refugees.

When you graduate, you’ll have the skills to work with other professionals and agencies such as the police, schools, healthcare providers, probation services, care home facilities and community centres.

MA or PGDip?

We also offer this course as a full-time PGDip over 19 months. The PGDip doesn’t include the research methods training and dissertation of the MA.

Accreditation

  • Approved by Social Work England (SWE) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with SWE as a social worker in England. Find out more

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Studying a Social Work MA at Sussex

Virtual Masters Open Day

Join us online to find out the essentials of Masters study.

Saturday 23 November, 10.30am - 2.30pm

Book your place

Entry requirements

Degree requirements

You should have a lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please select your country from the list.

Argentina

Degree requirements

Licenciado/Titulo with a minimum final mark of at least 6.0-7.0 depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Australia

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Azerbaijan

Degree requirements

Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 or 81%

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bahrain

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 2.5/4.0 (Grade C+).

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bangladesh

Degree requirements

A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.2/4.0

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brazil

Degree requirements

Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a minimum final mark of at least 7.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brunei

Degree requirements

Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second class lower division or CGPA 2.7/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 (grade B).

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Chile

Degree requirements

Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 4.5-5.0/7 depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 70% - 80% depending on your university. Sussex uses the Shanghai Best Chinese Universities Ranking to inform offer levels.  

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Colombia

Degree requirements

Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad’ and a minimum CGPA of 3.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 7 (Fair Performance).

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ecuador

Degree requirements

Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 15/20.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Egypt

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree from a university with a minimum overall grade of at least 70%.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Degree requirements

Licence with mention assez bien or Maîtrise with a minimum final mark of at least 12.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a minimum final mark of 2.7 or better.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ghana

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree from a public university with a minimum second-class lower division.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Degree requirements

Ptychion from an AEI with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Degree requirements

Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 50-65% depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Indonesia

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 2.8/4.0. 

Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a minimum final mark of at least 14.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Degree requirements

Diploma di Laurea with a minimum overall mark of at least 101.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Jordan

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or 75%.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 3.75 or better (on a scale of 1-5)/CGPA 2,67.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kenya

Degree requirements

Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kuwait

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or B.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lebanon

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 13/20.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malawi

Degree requirements

Masters degree, depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.7/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Mexico

Degree requirements

Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nepal

Degree requirements

A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CGPA of at least 2.8-2.99/4.0, 3.0-3.49/5.0, or 4.0-4.6/7.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall grade of C.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Oman

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Degree requirements

Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university. 

Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university. 

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Palestine

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum of at least 70% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Paraguay

Degree requirements

Bachelors with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Peru

Degree requirements

Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 12/20 from a public university or 14/20 from a private university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Philippines

Degree requirements

Masters degree with a minimum of 1.75/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.5/4.0

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Qatar

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall CPGA of at least 2.8 (on a scale of 4).

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Degree requirements

Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Saudi Arabia

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/5.0 or 2.8/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Degree requirements

Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CAP 3.5.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Degree requirements

Bachelors (honours) degree with a minimum second-class division 2.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Korea

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.5 or 2.8/4.3 or B.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Degree requirements

Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 2/4 or 6/10.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Degree requirements

Bachelors Special degree with a minimum lower second honours.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Degree requirements

Licence or Diplôme with a minimum 4.5/6 or 7/10.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Taiwan

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-75% depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Thailand

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.5 -2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Degree requirements

Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.6 - 2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

United Arab Emirates

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or equivalent.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Vietnam

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 7.0/10.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zambia

Degree requirements

Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwe

Degree requirements

Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

Subject-specific requirements

Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE Mathematics and English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. 

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Advanced level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about IELTS

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

 

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency

LanguageCert Academic SELT

Advanced level (75 overall, including at least 70 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version.  We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

International ESOL SELT C1 with a minimum of 33 in each component.

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

Advanced level (67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills).

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

Advanced level (95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing).

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 5, including at least 4 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 80%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 80%

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.

List of exempt countries: 

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada**
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • The British Overseas Territories
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Kingdom
  • USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa

Admissions information for applicants

Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced check

Yes. All candidates offered a place on the course will be required to satisfactorily complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. International students will additionally be required to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country. A list of admissible certificates can be found on the UK Government website: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Health check

Yes. A satisfactory health declaration must be completed before you start the course. We will send a form for you to complete. 

How to apply

You must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The course code is L508. Our UCAS code is S90 and our code name is SUSX.

InterviewsYes
Personal statement

Yes. You must complete additional documentation and write an extended personal statement. 

Find out how to write a personal statement

Selection dayYes
Work experience

Yes. We are looking for applicants who have direct experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families/carers or adults, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, ideally with at least 6 months full-time (or equivalent) work experience.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Application deadlines

The initial deadline is 31 January 2024 but late applications will be considered

We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course

Modules

Year 1

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

All year
Autumn teaching
Autumn and spring teaching

Year 2

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn and spring teaching

Work placement

You complete 200 practice development days (placements and practice development workshops). These specialist placement and learning pathways give you experience of child and family as well as adult social work. They draw on our excellent partnerships with health and social care organisations, professionals and experts by experience:

  • 170 days in two social work placements – both the 70-day placement and the 100-day placement are undertaken in agencies providing social work-related services, including statutory social work in local authority settings. Placements are organised in partnership with the South Coast Regional Centre for Social Work Education (SCRC)Find out more about this pioneering social work education partnership
  • 30 days of Practice Development Workshops delivered by experienced practitioners, academic faculty and experts by experience (service users and carers).

How are students supported in their learning? – Dr Reima Ana Maglajlic

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

If you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t undertake your placement/internship in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid 

Our experts

Research and practice in Social Work at Sussex

Fees and scholarships

How much does it cost?

Fees

Home students:
£8,425 per year for full-time students
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
£8,425 per year for full-time students
International students:
£22,575 per year for full-time students

If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits

Additional costs

Note about additional costs

Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.

Travel to and from placements

This course includes two placements. If you receive an NHS bursary for your studies, you pay for any travel to placements. If you don't get an NHS bursary, you may receive the NHS Placement Travel Allowance as a fixed contribution towards reasonable travel costs (if you meet residency and other eligibility criteria). If you incur any travel costs carrying out the business of an agency, the agency will reimburse you.

DBS check and health assessment

The University subsidises the mandatory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Health assessment, with no cost to the student.

Criminal record certificate

International students will be required to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country. A list of admissible certificates can be found on the UK Government website: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants

Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

How can I fund my course?

Scholarships

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2025/26.

Working while you study

Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

Careers

Supporting people to make significant life choices as well as promoting human rights, wellbeing and social change is a special position to be in. The role of a social worker is varied and rewarding.

During your course, you’ll be taught by:

  • social work academics with specialist research interests and practice expertise
  • experienced social work practitioners
  • members of our experts by experience network.

This enables you to gain knowledge and skills that will make you highly employable.

Graduate destinations

There continues to be a demand for social workers locally and nationally. Some of our Social Work graduates have even gone on to work in Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Australia.

Recent Social Work graduates who completed placements in children and family settings have started jobs in:

  • child protection teams
  • adoption and fostering teams
  • youth offending services
  • disability services.

Recent Social Work graduates who completed placements in adults settings have started jobs in:

  • hospital social work
  • mental health social work
  • drugs and alcohol social work.

Many graduates pursue learning through continuing professional development courses and progress to take leadership roles in the profession.

(Department of Social Work and Social Care careers database)

Find out more about a career in social work at BBC Bitesize: How to become a social worker: Omar’s story

What are the employment options for Social Work MA graduates? – Dr Reima Ana Maglajlic

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