If you are interested in applying for this programme, please contact the programme leader Kim Tran k.tran@herts.ac.uk in the first instance to discuss before you submit an application. 

Programme Description:

The MSc Advanced Social Work Practice at the University of Hertfordshire is a dynamic and highly respected programme designed for experienced social workers who are ready to take the next step in their career, whether towards leadership, an advanced-level role, or specialising in a particular area of practice.

Ranked 4th in the UK for Social Work in the 2025 Guardian University Guide and 2nd in the East of England by the Complete University Guide, the University of Hertfordshire is recognised nationally for the quality of its teaching and learning in social work and strong partnerships with employers.

This programme offers exceptional flexibility to suit your needs. With multiple entry points throughout the year, full-time or part-time study options, and a choice of modules that align with your professional interests, you can tailor your learning journey to meet your personal and career goals. Whether you want to complete your studies in two years or spread them out over six, we’ll work with you to find a path that fits.

The MSc Advanced Social Work Practice is led by a dedicated team of strategic-level professionals and leading academics who are highly respected in their fields. You'll develop advanced knowledge and critical skills to become a confident and effective leader or advanced/specialist practitioner. Through a strong emphasis on applying legal frameworks, policy, evidence-informed practice, and reflective learning, you'll be prepared to make a lasting impact in complex practice environments.

The changing nature of health and social care services requires pro-active practitioners who are innovative and capable of adapting to an environment where there is increasing emphasis on leadership, clinical audit, efficiency, resource management and continuing professional development. This is more than a qualification, it's an opportunity to enhance your professional identity and shape the future of social work.

Indicative Course Structure:

The MSc Advanced Social Work Practice is a 180-credit taught postgraduate programme, consisting of 30 credits from core modules, 60 credits from research modules, and 90 credits from optional modules.

Core Modules:

• Practice Educator – 30 credits
• Safeguarding – 30 credits
• Negotiated Learning 1 – 15 credits
• Negotiated Learning 2 – 30 credits
• Shared Decision Making and Concepts – 15 credits
• Concepts and Theories of Wellbeing – 30 credits

Research Modules (60 credits):

• Research Methods (15 credits)
• Preparation for Research Project (15 credits)
• Research Project (30 credits)

Optional Modules:

• Best Interest Assessor (BIA) (15 credits)
• Leadership in Education and Leading Others (30 credits)
• Leading Service Change (15 credits)
• Coaching Skills for Leading (15 credits)
• Advanced Decision-Making in Health and Social Care (15 credits)

Assessment Details:

We understand that everyone learns and demonstrates their knowledge in different ways, so the MSc Advanced Social Work Practice programme uses a variety of assessment methods to suit your strengths and professional development needs. This can be:

• Written assignments such as essays and case studies that encourage you to explore theory in depth and apply it to practice.
• Presentations that help you build confidence in communicating your ideas clearly and professionally, skills that are essential in leadership roles.
• Portfolio of evidence to showcase your learning in practice.
• Reflective accounts where you critically explore your own learning and experiences to support your growth as a reflective practitioner.

Each assessment is carefully designed to match each individual module’s learning outcomes and credit value, giving you the best chance to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and progress in a way that feels meaningful and relevant to your career.

Learning Outcomes: 

Successful students will typically:

A – Knowledge and Understanding

Demonstrate a deep and critical understanding of the theories, principles, and methodologies underpinning advanced social work practice - including leadership, safeguarding, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration, and apply this knowledge creatively and systematically to research, policy, and practice in health and social care settings.

B – Intellectual Skills

Critically analyse and evaluate complex and unpredictable social work contexts, drawing on current research and diverse perspectives, including those of people with lived experience, to generate creative, evidence-informed solutions; demonstrate autonomy and originality in problem-solving, leadership, research, and the assessment of learning needs, while continuously reflecting on and improving professional practice.

C – Practical Skills

Demonstrate professional expertise and leadership by critically applying advanced communication, problem-solving, and clinical reasoning skills; adapt and develop practice using structured, research-informed approaches; work collaboratively and ethically within legal and professional frameworks to generate effective safeguarding and practice solutions, promote learning, and contribute to organisational development.

D - Transferrable Skills

Communicate effectively in academic and professional contexts; demonstrate self-directed learning, reflective practice, and commitment to continuous professional development; facilitate the learning of others; and contribute to person-centred service innovation and the advancement of social work practice through leadership and collaboration.

What our students say:

"The MSc Advanced Social Work Practice gave me the flexibility I needed to fit study around my full-time role. The modules were so relevant to my work, and I was able to immediately apply what I learned in areas like safeguarding and leadership. I now feel far more confident in leading complex cases and mentoring colleagues."

"What stood out to me was how supportive the teaching team were, they're not only academics but also experienced professionals who understand the realities of frontline practice. The Practice Educator module helped me discover a new passion for developing others, and I now feel equipped to take on a more strategic role in my organisation."

This programme has the following core/optional modules

7HSK0168: Advanced Decision Making

7HSK0293: Leadership Education and Developing Others

7HSK0306: Leading Service Change

7HSK0308: Research Methods

7HSK2001: Safeguarding: Working with Risk and Opportunity

7HSK2007: Shared Decision Making

7HSK2048: Research Project

7HSK2049: Preparation for Research Project

7HSK2085: Coaching Skills for Leading

7HSK2129: Negotiated Learning 1

7HSK2130: Negotiated Learning 2

7SCZ2030: Practice Educator

7HSK2251: Best Interest Assessor