About Social Work in Canterbury Christ Church University

Social work requires a skilled, knowledgeable and creative approach to support and protect some of the most vulnerable people in society at all stages of their lives.

Our MA in Social Work is offered through a two year full-­time, or four year part­-time route. It is approved by the regulatory body for the profession, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). On successful completion of the programme students will be eligible to apply for registration as a social worker with the HCPC.

Why Social Work?

The teaching of social work is long-established at the University with taught sessions taking place on the main campus, centrally located in the historic, bustling city of Canterbury. The MA Social Work programme has three main integrated areas of learning ­ the study of academic subjects, development of skills, and practice placements. It is generic, enabling those completing successfully to work in a range of settings meeting the diverse needs of service users, families and carers. The programme will provide you with the opportunity to build on your previous experience and educational studies to develop the skills and knowledge required for effective social work practice. The programme is flexible, providing for study through a full­time or part­-time route with the option for students to change their route, subject to agreement. The minimum commitment for part-­time students is two days a week.

Employment opportunities

On successful completion of the programme students will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Social work is a respected professional qualification and there are a range of opportunities in different fields. The programme is a generic course enabling graduates to work in a full range of settings, for example in statutory social work for local authorities, private or voluntary agencies, in research or policy development. A high percentage of our graduates gain employment with local employers. Continuing professional development is a requirement for all professionals and the opportunity to progress to supervisory and managerial roles is reflected in the Professional Capabilities Framework (British Association of Social Work).

Programme Structure

The programme will enable you to meet the requirements of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) of The British Association of Social Work and the Knowledge and Skills Statements for Social Work which have been designed to ensure that by the end of the programme students can practise effectively using a range of knowledge, a strong commitment to social justice, application of professional values and recognition of the diverse needs of members of society. The programme integrates theoretical and practice learning through modules, skills and practice placements. Development of professionalism, the ability to apply critical reflection and analysis and the flexibility to work in changing contexts and organisations are key areas of achievement required for successful completion of the course. 

At the end of the programme both the part-time and full-time route will enable students to gain 180 credits in a range of subject areas alongside practice learning and skills development. This includes the 60 credit research project, an extended module which is introduced early within the programme and continues through the duration of the period of study. Students who do not complete this module may exit the programme with 120 credits, an award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work and eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Academic qualification equivalents:

• Bachelor of Arts/Science/Commerce degree of at least 3 years duration or Professional Degree (4 years+)

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS       :         6.5 or equivalent, with no less than 6.0 in Writing and no less than 5.5 in Reading, Speaking and Listening.
• TOEFL     :         minimum score of 90, minimum score of 19 in reading, writing and listening.
• PTE          :         overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50

Canterbury Christ Church University Highlights

Canterbury Christ Church University Tuition fee

Canterbury Christ Church University Living Cost

• The weekly living cost for an international student staying at a residential hall/flat/homestay is 384.50 NZD, 305.75 NZD, and 360 NZD, respectively.
• Application deadline for accommodation: December 1 (February intake); May 1 (June intake).