The MSc Social Work course at Robert Gordon University focuses on the values, skills and competencies required for the practice of social work to the qualifying level set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). It will give you the ability to positively impact society and improve the lives of individuals in an important profession.
The higher exit option (MSc) is an academic award based on research rather than a professional award, and offers a methodological underpinning for those seeking to move into research or training in social work.
Alternatively, as a PgDip graduate you will be capable of gaining employment in areas where a professional qualification in social work is required, including field work, group care, community care and hospital settings in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
The MSc includes developing your knowledge, skills and professional confidence, providing you with competence requirements in the context of specific social work disciplines.
To graduate with a Master's in Social Work requires students to complete a dissertation. The Master's in Social Work is an academic qualification that is a useful for applicants who would like to work abroad.
Learning Methods
On the course, you'll experience a mix of teaching and assessment methods designed to keep learning dynamic and practical. These include small group sessions, seminars, lectures, role-plays, simulations, workshops two full time work placements. You’ll also be assigned a personal Tutor who is there to support you with both academic and non-academic matters.
We believe learning should connect to real-world practice, so you’ll be encouraged to reflect on your experiences, take ownership of your learning, and set personal goals alongside the ones outlined in your course. This approach helps you grow into a confident, independent learner.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 20 students per group, 8 hours per week
- Seminars - Max 20 students per group, 4 hours per week
- Tutorial - one-to-ones throughout each semester
- Practical class or workshop - Max 20 students per group, 10 hours per week
How long is a Social Work course?
This Social Work course can be successfully completed within 2 years and 3 months.
Independent Study
As postgraduate learners we expect students to engage in independent learning. This can manifest in several different ways from reading research articles in preparation for seminars, preparing for group work exercises, conducting your own research for your Dissertation and preparation for going on placement. All modules will direct you to indicative and recommended texts.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 5 written assessments, including essays
- 2 oral assessments and/or presentations
- 1 practical skills assessment
- Full time work placement - 85 days
Year 2
- 4 written assessments, including essays
- 1 dissertation
- 1 portfolio
- 1 oral assessment and/or presentation
- Full time work placement - 95 days
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our school is the largest provider of social work education in Scotland, with an expanding social science teaching and research portfolio. We’re also proud to offer some of the most desirable Social Work Postgraduate courses in the UK. Our team of lecturers have strong practice and research backgrounds, and a passion for helping you to understand how to become a Social Worker. They’ll help you to achieve your best – whether that’s online, supervising your dissertation, or providing pastoral support. With small class sizes we get to know you as an individual throughout your course. Our teaching staff will provide you with a stimulating and enjoyable education as you gain a range of skills required to add value to society in a wide-range of career possibilities.
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Placements
You will undertake two mandatory placements, one 85-day placement and one of 95-days.
You may have the opportunity to apply to undertake the first placement overseas in a service setting that is negotiated with our partner universities. Students who have completed Study Abroad placements often reflect on the experience as being challenging and transformative in terms of personal and professional development.
Placements abroad may also be available.
Job Prospects
As a graduate of this course you will be capable of gaining employment in areas where a professional qualification in social work is required, including field work, group care, community care and hospital settings in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

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Standard Entry Requirements
What is needed for MSc Social Work?
- Applicants should hold the equivalent of a 2:2 undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as Social Sciences, Sociology, Psychology, Law or Philosophy
- Lower degree classifications and degrees in a non-relevant discipline will be considered on a case-by-case basis where an applicant holds significant relevant work experience.
- Scottish National Grade 5 or GCSE in Maths grade B or equivalent required. Applicants that do not have this will be offered the University’s numeracy test
- Applicants are also required to show evidence of computer literacy for the European Computer Driving Licence. Whilst this is mandatory, this is not a requirement prior to the course starting, rather it is something that we measure throughout the course as students have to access teaching online, submit assignments online and also work with IT systems whilst out on placement.
- Applicants from the UK and EU must submit their application via UCAS. International Applicants may submit their application via UCAS or direct to the University. Please note that within the personal statement section of the application, include:
- Your understanding of the social work profession in the UK (and in your home country if you are an applicant from outside the UK),
- Why you wish to study the MSc Social Work at Robert Gordon University, and
- How you plan to use this qualification in your future career plan.
- All offers are subject to satisfactory Health Clearance, Disclosure and Barring Service/Criminal Conviction Check, a successful interview and passing our written test.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 7.0 overall and 6.5 in each element, or an equivalent.
This is a requirement of the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) therefore no other tests are acceptable.
Applicants who have studied in the UK at a Higher Education Institution and have a full time Masters Degree qualification or higher will be exempt from taking the IELTS.
Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5760 |
Year 2 | £5760 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 2 years | Year 1 | £6840 |
Year 2 | £6840 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 2 years | Year 1 | £17420 |
Year 2 | £17420 |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 2 years | Year 1 | £5590 |
Year 2 | £5590 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 2 years | Year 1 | £6630 |
Year 2 | £6630 |
EU Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 2 years | Year 1 | £6630 |
Year 2 | £6630 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 2 years | Year 1 | £16910 |
Year 2 | £16910 |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
SSSC Bursary for MSc/PGDip Social Work
Funding may be available from SSSC or SAAS based on eligibility.
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.