Advanced Social Work: University of Westminster

Introduction

PG Dip Higher Specialist Social Work (Leadership and Management)

This flexible course is designed to meet the professional learning and development needs of team managers and senior managers,  experienced social workers and senior practitioners, working at, or aspiring to work at, an advanced level in leadership and management in the local authority, voluntary and independent sectors. The successful completion of the PG Diploma modules leads on to the MSc Advanced Social Work. Both awards are recognised by the General Social Care Council as post qualifying awards. The course leads to further growth and development of the social work profession, and draws on in-depth knowledge of managing change, interprofessional leadership, supervising and managing practice, financial planning and experience of conducting and applying research to practice. The PG Dip and MSc course integrate a range of skills described in the Skills for Care Leadership and Management Strategy and are relevant for those working in all fields of social work.

Course content

The course develops leadership and management skills so that you make a lasting difference to the lives of service users through improving service organisation, delivery and practice. The course emphasises analysis, critical reflection, ethical and evidence-based practice. Successful completion of the programmes award a post graduate Higher Specialist Diploma or Masters degree, locating you at the pinnacle of the social work profession.

Core modules

• Professional Leadership and Managing Practice
• Supervision and Service Improvement
• Managing Change
• Interprofessional and Interagency Dynamics
• Financial Planning and Control
• Critical Inquiry in Practice (for the MSc)
• Dissertation (for the MSc)

Option modules

You choose one free choice module which can be any Masters level module with open access from the University

Associated careers

Pursuing these postgraduate programmes will greatly enhance your professional development opportunities. All of our graduates have advanced their careers both during and on completion of the courses.

Entry requirements

You must be a registered social worker (CQSW, DipSW, qualifying degree, CSS, GSCC recognised international social work qualification) and be employed at the time of enrolment in a statutory, private or charitable sector of health and social care services (full or part-time). Applicants should usually have a minimum five years’ post-qualifying experience, preferably hold a good first degree and able to work to the standard required at Masters level.

You will need fluent written and spoken English to study at postgraduate level. If your first language is not English, an attainment of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent must be demonstrated.