The University of Sheffield
Prospective Postgraduates

Professional Practice with Children and their Families - MA

Department of Sociological Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences

You aim to understand the human world, where you fit into it and how you can help other people. As one of the UK's top ten research departments in our field, we can help you to achieve your goals.

About the course

2 years full time

This course is for professionals working with children and their families or carers. It is particularly suitable for qualified childcare social workers from statutory, voluntary and independent sector agencies who work in residential, field, hospital or day care settings.

The course will train you to be a child-centred, critically reflective social worker. You can achieve Specialist, Higher Specialist and Advanced Practitioner status, as the course is part of the General Social Care Council (GSCC) Post Qualifying Framework for Children and Families Social Workers.

Entry requirements

You'll need a minimum 2:2 honours degree plus a social work or equivalent professional qualification. You should be currently employed in a relevant work setting that will support your studies: many of the assessment requirements are for direct work with children and their families or carers.

If you don't have a degree but you can provide evidence of the ability to study at postgraduate level, we will consider your application.

English language requirements for overseas students

IELTS 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each part), or TOEFL 90–91 (iBT), or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students 

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Course content

You must take four 15-credit modules and two 30-credit modules. You'll also need to complete a 60-credit dissertation.

Core modules

  • Consolidation
  • Enabling Others
  • Safeguarding Children
  • Evidence-Informed Practice
  • Direct Work with Children and their Families
  • Specialist Practice

Optional modules

The following options are expected to be available:

  • Private Law
  • Public Law, Leadership and Change Management
  • Managing People
  • Managing Resources and Quality
  • Supervision and Safeguarding

These modules may be of interest if you want to explore a Leadership and Management professional award.

Teaching

  • Compulsory seminars
  • Optional lectures
  • Fieldwork
  • Projects

Assessment

  • Coursework assignments
  • Dissertation
  • Portfolio
  • Group presentations
  • Direct observation of practice is needed for GSCC Post Qualifying Framework awards

Fees and funding

Funding may be available from some employers. You should ask your employer for further details.

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

E: sociological.studies@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 6401

Amelia Moore, MA Global and International Social Policy

Where your masters can take you

Our graduates go on to become academics, researchers or health and social care professionals. Others become managers or administrators in the public and private sectors.

Stay informed

Our interdisciplinary approach brings together sociologists, social policy analysts, social workers and social anthropologists. Our empirical research is internationally recognised, and our contributions to current policy debates are significant and trusted.

One of the UK's top ten research centres for social work and policy.

Stay connected

You'll get access to office space in a centrally located postgraduate facility. Use our flexible work spaces to connect with postgraduate research students and get involved in the work of the department. You'll discover a positive, friendly atmosphere where staff and postgraduate students work together as colleagues.

Apply now

Apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).