Social Work, both in the UK and internationally, has been defined as a profession that ‘promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance social justice.’ Accordingly, social work takes a variety of forms and engages with a broad range of individuals, groups and communities. The scope of social work research is equally broad and requires researchers to be aware of, and able to engage with a variety of disciplines in a range of settings, often working alongside those with different ideas of what social work and social work research are and what each is intended to achieve (Economic and Social Research Council, 2006).
Social Work research, in other words, does not simply concern the work of social workers. It may also be concerned, for example, with programmes of community development in the context of poverty or interventions to tackle domestic violence and programmes for young offenders. It may focus on the needs of a particular group, for example disabled children or people with severe and long term mental illness, whether or not they receive social work services. It may draw on theories and research methods from any of the social sciences, including economics, from law and philosophy.
The programme is aimed at both UK/EU students and international students who:
Note: you do not have to be a professional social worker to undertake this programme and a professional qualification in Social Work is NOT a requirement for admission. Social Work in this context refers to the “academic discipline”.
The programme is delivered through a series of three-day intensive blocks held in Bristol. Each unit is delivered during one of these blocks, allowing you to accumulate credits flexibly and organise your study to suit your needs and circumstances. The programme consists of a combination of mandatory and elective units operating on a one-year cycle.
Please visit our further information page for more details of study and award options. Alternatively you can discuss these options further with the Programme Director - contact details are on the "Contact us" page.
The School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol, is one of the leading centres for Social Work Research in the UK. The programme is taught by many of the leading UK experts in the field, all of whom are engaged in national and international research projects. Our research is characterised by a strong empirical approach which employs a large range of quantitative and qualitative research methods. This is what you will be able to learn. The programme is also distinctive in emphasising the link between research, policy and practice. It also offers elective modules in areas of the School's particular research expertise, notably child and family welfare, gender and violence, health and social care, poverty and social exclusion, and policy-related evaluation.
Recognised training programme for the ESRC PhD Studentship Competition Social Policy and Social Work through the South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC)
The Masters in Social Work Research is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as a research training programme for the ESRC SWDTC Pathway in Social Work.
The School for Policy Studies at the University of Bristol is pleased to be able to offer PhD studentships in Social Policy or Social Work. Studentships cover maintenance and fees for UK residents for full-time or part-time beginning in October 2012.
All candidates must fulfil relevant ESRC academic and residential eligibility criteria. Candidates who have already completed a programme of research training at Masters Level are eligible for a 3 year award (PhD only). Candidates who have not completed a programme of research training at Masters Level are eligible for a 4 year award (1 year MSC in Policy Research/Social Work Research + 3 year PhD). Further information about the SWDTC is available at: http://www.bris.ac.uk/fssl/swdtc.html
Further details and application forms are available at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/sps/studying/doctoral/phd/applying
Potential applicants are welcome to discuss these opportunities further with the Postgraduate Research Admissions Officers, Dr Patricia Lucas or Dr Anne Haase (sps-pgadmissions@bristol.ac.uk)
The criteria against which applications will be assessed are:
The programme aims to develop the particular skills and capacities for social work research. We also recognise that students join us with a wide range of relevant knowledge, skills and experience, including experience in other countries. There will be opportunities for students to draw on their own experiences as practitioners, researchers, and managers and share these with other participants on the programme.
Through the course of the programme you will have opportunities to develop your:
You will also be able to extend your knowledge of: