About this course
University of Strathclyde offers MSW Social Work as a 2-year postgraduate Masters Degree (Taught) programme in Social Work. Based in Glasgow, the programme is delivered by the university's specialist faculty and welcomes international applicants from across Africa and beyond.
Tuition is £20,150 per year. English-language entry requires IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 80. Intakes run across 2 windows (Semester 1 (September), 2026 and Semester 1 (September), 2027).
Scholarships are available to international applicants. The programme includes an industry internship element.
BDM Consult's advisors can guide you through entry requirements, scholarship eligibility, and visa support — from initial application to offer letter.
Entry requirements
understand, calculate and present accurately, basic numerical and financial information
communicate expressively, fluently and convincingly in verbal and written form
engage appropriately with a wide range of people
The communication skills which we would expect applicants to demonstrate would include the capacity to:
Communication skills
have a non-judgemental attitude
passion to fight for the rights of disadvantaged people
ability to accept constructive criticism and learn from your mistakes
taking enjoyment from both using your own initiatives as well as working accountably as part of team
satisfaction in helping manage and, where possible, resolve conflict, but never at the expense of sacrificing the interests of vulnerable people
quiet confidence in your own ability and the capacity to argue and defend your views in a constructive way
being level-headed and helpful in the face of people's distress, pain and anger, even when it's turned on you
ability to help people set and follow their own agendas while being capable of asserting your authority where their welfare requires it
ability to support people who live with difficult, sometimes worsening circumstances
willingness to question conformity and risk discomfort in challenging attitudes which encourage discrimination and complacency
genuine interest in difference and diversity and an obvious ability to adapt and change
ability to see strengths and potential in even the most difficult circumstances and people
ability to convey genuine warmth and interest in people
The kinds of personal qualities which we look for in an applicant include:
Personal qualities
it should be supervised by a member of staff of the status and experience to provide a reference indicating suitability for entry to social work education
work may be carried out with a range of client groups – commonly people who experience various forms of disadvantage
work may be undertaken in a wide variety of settings eg community-based offices, residential provision, day care services, community organisations
Relevant work settings
We’re more concerned with the quality of experience than whether or not it’s paid. It’s useful to think about experience in three dimensions – duration, range and depth. While longer and more diverse experience is of great value, depth (or quality) is perhaps more important since this is what allows learning and professional development. Often experience is 'deeper' in contexts where supervision is offered regularly, allowing for in-depth discussion in practice issues and dilemmas. Undertaking relevant reading and training while working often helps people to deepen the quality of their work experience.
In general, we expect you to have had at least six months full-time work experience, or its equivalent in part-time work, at the point of the application.
Relevant work experience
In exceptional cases where an applicant does not have a degree, the applicant may be considered if they have extensive professional experience showing career development and can demonstrate academic ability at postgraduate level, equivalent to SCQF Level 10 or above.
Suitable candidates must be able to demonstrate at least 6 months directly relevant experience in social work, social care, community work or a closely-related activity at the point of application or twelve months equivalent part-time experience. This is compulsory.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient numerical, statistical and budgetary competence to deal with the demands of study and placement.
Maths National 5 C/Applications of Mathematics National 5 C (or equivalent) or above.
Second-class Honours degree, preferably in a social science discipline but graduates in other disciplines with an understanding of social sciences are welcome.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for this course. Speak to a BDM advisor for the latest funding and eligibility details.
Intake dates
- ▸Semester 1 (September), 2026
- ▸Semester 1 (September), 2027
Application deadlines differ per intake. Speak to BDM for the latest cut-off dates.
