Advanced Social Work: Children, Young People & Families
A specialised master’s programme for experienced social workers to advance practice in children’s and family care settings.
Best for:Best for experienced social workers with a recognised qualification and at least one year of professional practice in children’s social care seeking to specialise in advanced practice.
Overview
This master’s programme at Queen’s University Belfast is designed for qualified social workers with at least one year of professional experience. It focuses on deepening advanced knowledge and skills in children’s and family social work, enabling practitioners to enhance their practice within statutory and voluntary care settings. The curriculum integrates theoretical learning with real-world application, ensuring graduates can lead in complex social care environments. Applicants must demonstrate current engagement in children’s social care and meet specific professional registration requirements. The programme is ideal for those seeking to specialise in advanced social work practice and contribute to policy and practice improvements in child welfare.
What you'll do
- Develop advanced knowledge and skills in children’s and family social work to enhance professional practice.
- Engage in critical analysis of social care policies and their impact on vulnerable children and families.
- Apply theoretical frameworks to real-world social work scenarios in statutory and voluntary settings.
- Collaborate with peers and professionals to improve social care delivery and outcomes.
- Contribute to evidence-based practice through research and reflective practice activities.
- Demonstrate core social work values in practice with service users and carers.
Requirements
Degree required: Second-class honours degree (or higher) in any discipline, or equivalent qualifications and experience assessed by the programme lead.
Language: English; IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in any component, or equivalent qualification.
Instruction: English
- Possession of a social work qualification recognised by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) and registration with the Council.
- Completion of the assessed year in employment (AYE) in social work.
- Current engagement in a children’s social care setting for at least 12 hours per week.
- Enrolment on the PiP Consolidation or Specialist Award on the NISCC portal.
- Proficiency in applying social work values and principles in practice.
- Must be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC).
- Must have completed the assessed year in employment (AYE) in social work.
- Must be currently employed in a children’s social care setting for at least 12 hours per week.
- Must be enrolled on the PiP Consolidation or Specialist Award on the NISCC portal.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Deadline: 2026-07-31
Applicants must submit their application through the Queen’s University Belfast postgraduate application portal. Required documents include a CV, academic transcripts, proof of NISCC registration, evidence of IELTS or equivalent English proficiency, and a written assignment if academic requirements are not met. Late applications may be considered, but early submission is strongly advised.
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of NISCC registration
- Evidence of IELTS score or equivalent qualification
- Written assignment (if academic requirements are not met)
- Proof of current employment in children’s social care setting
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