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Advanced practice for justice, safety and community wellbeing
Online or on campus
Social work is a profession of judgment, relationships and justice. This advanced practice master's deepens your capacity for assessment, safeguarding, trauma-informed intervention and ethical leadership within welfare systems. You will critically engage social policy, law contexts and community practice while strengthening research literacy for evidence-informed service improvement. The capstone portfolio integrates case analysis, reflective practice and a practice-research project. MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice) is taught as one award, not a list of unrelated modules. The published length is 24 months, and the credit total is 36. Students move from Theories of Social Work & Critical Practice through Theories of Social Work & Critical Practice; Social Policy, Welfare Systems & Human Rights; Assessment, Risk & Safeguarding Practice; Ethics, Power & Professional Accountability; Trauma-Informed & Strengths-Based Interventions; Child, Family & Adult Care Law Contexts, and finish on MSc Social Work Capstone Portfolio. Each course has a question, a method, and a submission. In this field, students apply the method of the subject to a defined problem and defend the result. Reading is a core text, a case or dataset, and a critique. The artefact a marker expects is a submission that shows the method, the evidence, and the limit of the claim. The award is built so that a graduate can do the following in practice: Conduct rigorous multi-agency risk assessments and safety plans Apply trauma-informed and strengths-based interventions Navigate law, ethics and professional accountability in complex cases Teaching assumes the student can read a source, attempt a problem before the seminar, and revise after feedback. Attendance at live seminars is part of the design. The capstone or final course must use the methods of the earlier courses; a project that ignores them does not pass. The pages for each course name the topics that are examined. Those topics are the syllabus. A brochure line is not a substitute for them.
This programme is designed for post-qualifying development and advanced practice knowledge. Where professional title protection and registration exams exist in your jurisdiction, you must satisfy local regulatory requirements separately from this academic award.
Faculty spotlight
Practice educators with child and family and adult safeguarding leadership experience supervise portfolio work; policy faculty connect casework to structural analysis.
Study online
Online tuition is free. Online examinations are free. There is no exam fee for online study.
On-campus study
Prefer to learn at our Edinburgh campus? Campus tuition and campus examinations are charged. The published campus price is on each programme page.
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW501 | Theories of Social Work & Critical Practice Theories of Social Work & Critical Practice (SW501) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can apply the method of the subject to a defined problem and defend the result, using Theories of Social Work & Critical Practice as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a core text, a case or dataset, and a critique. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a submission that shows the method, the evidence, and the limit of the claim. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| SW502 | Social Policy, Welfare Systems & Human Rights Social Policy, Welfare Systems & Human Rights (SW502) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Social Policy, Welfare Systems & Human Rights as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| SW503 | Assessment, Risk & Safeguarding Practice Assessment, Risk & Safeguarding Practice (SW503) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can apply the method of the subject to a defined problem and defend the result, using Assessment, Risk & Safeguarding Practice as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a core text, a case or dataset, and a critique. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a submission that shows the method, the evidence, and the limit of the claim. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| SW504 | Ethics, Power & Professional Accountability Ethics, Power & Professional Accountability (SW504) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can read a set of figures, build a small case, and state which assumption moves the result, using Ethics, Power & Professional Accountability as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses financial statements, a recognition note, and a risk report. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a recommendation that separates the decision, the numbers, and the risk. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course does not confer an accounting, audit, or financial-services licence.
| 3 · 30 h |
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW505 | Trauma-Informed & Strengths-Based Interventions Trauma-Informed & Strengths-Based Interventions (SW505) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can apply the method of the subject to a defined problem and defend the result, using Trauma-Informed & Strengths-Based Interventions as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a core text, a case or dataset, and a critique. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a submission that shows the method, the evidence, and the limit of the claim. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| SW506 | Child, Family & Adult Care Law Contexts Child, Family & Adult Care Law Contexts (SW506) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Child, Family & Adult Care Law Contexts as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| SW507 | Community Practice, Advocacy & Social Justice Community Practice, Advocacy & Social Justice (SW507) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can apply the method of the subject to a defined problem and defend the result, using Community Practice, Advocacy & Social Justice as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a core text, a case or dataset, and a critique. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a submission that shows the method, the evidence, and the limit of the claim. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| SW508 | Mental Health, Substance Use & Integrated Care Mental Health, Substance Use & Integrated Care (SW508) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can describe how people, records, and decisions move through one service, and separate cause from harm, using Mental Health, Substance Use & Integrated Care as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a pathway description, an incident summary, and an information standard. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a brief a service manager could use, with the evidence attached. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course does not confer a licence to practise nursing, medicine, or any other clinical profession.
| 3 · 30 h |
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| SW601 | Supervision, Leadership & Professional Development Supervision, Leadership & Professional Development (SW601) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can diagnose one organisation and carry a decision through to a recommendation, using Supervision, Leadership & Professional Development as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a case, a short financial extract, and a stakeholder note. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a consulting brief a manager could use. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| SW602 | Research Methods for Social Work Practice Research Methods for Social Work Practice (SW602) is a 3-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can apply the method of the subject to a defined problem and defend the result, using Research Methods for Social Work Practice as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a core text, a case or dataset, and a critique. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a submission that shows the method, the evidence, and the limit of the claim. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| SW603 | MSc Social Work Capstone Portfolio MSc Social Work Capstone Portfolio (SW603) is a 6-credit course on MSc Social Work (Advanced Practice), with 60 notional learning hours. By the end, students can apply the method of the subject to a defined problem and defend the result, using MSc Social Work Capstone Portfolio as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a core text, a case or dataset, and a critique. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a submission that shows the method, the evidence, and the limit of the claim. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 6 · 60 h |
Modules are assessed through a published mix of coursework, applied projects, and examinations. Exam windows are announced in advance so students in other time zones are not forced into overnight sittings. Alternative arrangements are available where documented.
The published duration is 24 months. Teaching language: English. Actual time-to-complete depends on mode and any recognised prior learning.
You may study this award fully online from your country, or — where published — on campus at Brigant. Online study does not require a student visa. Campus study may.
Degree tuition for this award is published as £0 / tuition-free on the online pathway. Examination or administrative fees may apply at checkout — never an annual tuition invoice. Check the Fees page for any extras.
Requirements are grouped on this page (academic, English, documents). Equivalent qualifications are considered. English may be waived after prior English-medium study.
Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, projects, and examinations. Doctoral awards include a thesis or dissertation and an oral examination. Details sit in the programme specification and module outlines.
Recognition of the award for local employment, professional licence, or ministry attestation is decided by your employer or regulator. University of Brigant publishes verification pages for certificates. We do not claim automatic equivalence in every country.
Start an application on this website. Progress is saved from the first step. Admissions: admissions@brigant.uk.
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