Social Work

Our Social Work MA degree will provide you with a practice-focussed and eye-opening learning experience.

Learn from expert academics and gain first-hand experience from service users, carers and practitioners, and graduate prepared to start an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career.

Why study this course at the University of Birmingham?
Benefit from a truly unique, practice-led experience that puts lived experience and real-world impact at the heart of your studies. You’ll learn from leading academics, work directly with service users, carers, and practitioners, and complete two placements that bring your knowledge to life. Ranked among the UK’s top social work courses, our programme leverages Birmingham’s vibrant, diverse community connections to offer hands-on experience, and its global recognition means you’ll graduate ready to make a difference—locally and worldwide.
- Study with top academics and learn directly from those with real experience.

- Develop essential skills through two practical, community-based placements.

- Build professional links through Birmingham’s strong partnerships across health and social care.

- Enjoy a variety of opportunities for practising social work and other humanitarian work in the UK and overseas

Career opportunitites
There is a clear progression from the social work programme to professional practice in a range of settings such as statutory social work, voluntary organisations and the private sector, with employment opportunities both in the UK and overseas.

Upon graduation, our students take up positions such as:
- Social Worker (children and families, adults, mental health)

- Social Work and Social Care Leadership

- Social Researcher

- Advanced Mental Health Practitioner (AMHP)

- Education Welfare Officer

- Youth Offending Team

- Community Development Worker

- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer

- Advocate