Key information
- Duration:
- 19 months full time
- Start date:
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- 30 June 2025
- 100% of our research impact in Social Work and Social Policy was assessed to be world leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
- =9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects – Outcomes in Social Work (Complete University Guide 2025)
- 14th in the UK for Social Work (The Guardian University Guide 2024)
You will learn in sessions led by academic faculty, practitioners, experts by experience, service users and carers. In this supportive environment you’ll develop crucial skills for independent and collaborative learning.
You will take also undertake two placements in local social welfare agencies.
Learn from people influencing social care. We work with local social welfare agencies on joint projects. These include development, training and research initiatives.
The PGDip in Social Work is a generic social work qualification. This means you’ll gain knowledge in a wide range of areas, ready to work in practice contexts that support, among others:
- vulnerable children, young people and families
- adults and older people
- people experiencing mental health, disability, substance use or homelessness challenges
- asylum seekers and refugees and others.
When you graduate, you’ll have the skills to work with other professionals and agencies such as the police, schools, healthcare providers, probation services, care home facilities and community centres.
If you decide to pursue a Social Work MA after this course, you may be able to do so by completing a dissertation once in practice at one of our partner local authorities.
PGDip or MA?
We also offer this course as a full-time MA over 22 months. The MA includes research methods training and a dissertation.
Accreditation
- Approved by Social Work England (SWE) for the purpose of providing eligibility to apply for registration with SWE as a social worker in England. Find out more
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Virtual Masters Open Day
Join us online to find out the essentials of Masters study.
Saturday 23 November, 10.30am - 2.30pm
Entry requirements
| Degree requirements | You should have a lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
Please select your country from the list.
Argentina
| Degree requirements | Licenciado/Titulo with a minimum final mark of at least 6.0-7.0 depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Australia
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Azerbaijan
| Degree requirements | Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 or 81% |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bahrain
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 2.5/4.0 (Grade C+). |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bangladesh
| Degree requirements | A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.2/4.0 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brazil
| Degree requirements | Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a minimum final mark of at least 7. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brunei
| Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second class lower division or CGPA 2.7/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 (grade B). |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Chile
| Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 4.5-5.0/7 depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-70% depending on your university. Sussex uses Project 211/985 to inform offer levels. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Colombia
| Degree requirements | Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad’ and a minimum CGPA of 3.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 7 (Fair Performance). |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ecuador
| Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 15/20. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Egypt
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree from a university with a minimum overall grade of at least 70%. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
| Degree requirements | Licence with mention assez bien or Maîtrise with a minimum final mark of at least 12. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a minimum final mark of 2.7 or better. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ghana
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree from a public university with a minimum second-class lower division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
| Degree requirements | Ptychion from an AEI with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
| Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 50-65% depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Indonesia
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 2.8/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a minimum final mark of at least 14. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
| Degree requirements | Diploma di Laurea with a minimum overall mark of at least 101. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Jordan
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or 75%. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kazakhstan
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 3.75 or better (on a scale of 1-5)/CGPA 2,67. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kenya
| Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kuwait
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or B. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lebanon
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 13/20. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malawi
| Degree requirements | Masters degree, depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.7/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Mexico
| Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nepal
| Degree requirements | A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CGPA of at least 2.8-2.99/4.0, 3.0-3.49/5.0, or 4.0-4.6/7.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall grade of C. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Oman
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
| Degree requirements | Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university. Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Palestine
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum of at least 70% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Paraguay
| Degree requirements | Bachelors with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Peru
| Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 12/20 from a public university or 14/20 from a private university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Philippines
| Degree requirements | Masters degree with a minimum of 1.75/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.5/4.0 |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Qatar
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall CPGA of at least 2.8 (on a scale of 4). |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
| Degree requirements | Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Saudi Arabia
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/5.0 or 2.8/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
| Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CAP 3.5. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
| Degree requirements | Bachelors (honours) degree with a minimum second-class division 2. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Korea
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.5 or 2.8/4.3 or B. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
| Degree requirements | Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 2/4 or 6/10. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
| Degree requirements | Bachelors Special degree with a minimum lower second honours. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
| Degree requirements | Licence or Diplôme with a minimum 4.5/6 or 7/10. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Taiwan
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-75% depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Thailand
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.5 -2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
| Degree requirements | Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.6 - 2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
United Arab Emirates
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or equivalent. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
USA
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Uzbekistan
| Degree requirements | Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 70%. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Vietnam
| Degree requirements | Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 7.0/10. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zambia
| Degree requirements | Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zimbabwe
| Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division. |
|---|---|
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
| Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
My country is not listed
If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us
| Subject-specific requirements | Your undergraduate degree can be in any subject. You must have GCSE English (or equivalent) at grade C or above. |
|---|
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
Advanced level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about IELTS
We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
We do not accept IELTS Online.
Alternative English language qualifications
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency
LanguageCert Academic SELT
Advanced level (75 overall, including at least 70 in each component).
LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert Academic SELT
We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.
We do not accept the online version. We also do not accept the non-SELT version.
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
International ESOL SELT C1 with a minimum of 33 in each component.
LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about LanguageCert SELT
We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.
Pearson (PTE Academic)
Advanced level (67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills).
PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)
We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)
Advanced level (95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing).
TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)
We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.
English language qualifications
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 5, including at least 4 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 80%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 80%
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A - C in English language
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.
List of exempt countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- The British Overseas Territories
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
English language support
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa
Admissions information for applicants
| Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced check | Yes. All candidates offered a place on the course will be required to satisfactorily complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. International students will additionally be required to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country. A list of admissible certificates can be found on the UK Government website: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants. |
|---|---|
| Health check | Yes. A satisfactory health declaration must be completed before you start the course. We will send a form for you to complete. |
| How to apply | You must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The course code is L507. Our UCAS code is S90 and our code name is SUSX. |
| Interviews | Yes |
| Personal statement | Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. |
| Selection day | Yes |
| Work experience | Yes. We are looking for applicants who have direct experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families/carers or adults, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, ideally with at least 6 months full-time (or equivalent) work experience. |
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.
Application deadlines
30 June 2025
We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Human Development and Social Relationships
- Law and Social Policy
- Social Adversity, Risk and Resilience
Autumn and spring teaching
Year 2
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn and spring teaching
- Organisations and Inter-professional Practice
- Social Work Practice 2
- Theory, Methods and Values in Practice 2
Work placement
You complete 200 practice development days (placements and practice development workshops). These specialist placement and learning pathways give you experience of child and family as well as adult social work. They draw on our excellent partnerships with health and social care organisations, professionals and experts by experience:
- 170 days in two social work placements – both the 70-day placement and the 100-day placement are undertaken in agencies providing social work-related services, including statutory social work in local authority settings. Placements are organised in partnership with the South Coast Regional Centre for Social Work Education (SCRC). Find out more about this pioneering social work education partnership
- 30 days of Practice Development Workshops delivered by experienced practitioners, academic faculty and experts by experience (service users and carers).
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.
American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Please note that Certificate and Diploma programs at the University of Sussex are not eligible for USA federal Direct Loans. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Our experts
Fees and scholarships
How much does it cost?
Fees
- Home students:
- £6,100 per year for full-time students
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
- £6,100 per year for full-time students
- International students:
- £11,375 per year for full-time students
If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits
Additional costs
Note about additional costs
Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.
Travel to and from placements
This course includes two placements. If you receive an NHS bursary for your studies, you pay for any travel to placements. If you don't get an NHS bursary, you may receive the NHS Placement Travel Allowance as a fixed contribution towards reasonable travel costs (if you meet residency and other eligibility criteria). If you incur any travel costs carrying out the business of an agency, the agency will reimburse you.
DBS check and health assessment
The University subsidises the mandatory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Health assessment, with no cost to the student.
Criminal record certificate
International students will be required to obtain a recent criminal record certificate from their home country. A list of admissible certificates can be found on the UK Government website: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants
Living costs
Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex
Find out about our terms and conditions
How can I fund my course?
Working while you study
Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Careers
Supporting people to make significant life choices as well as promoting human rights, wellbeing and social change is a special position to be in. The role of a social worker is varied and rewarding.
During your course, you’ll be taught by:
- social work academics with specialist research interests and practice expertise
- experienced social work practitioners
- members of our experts by experience network.
This enables you to gain knowledge and skills that will make you highly employable.
Graduate destinations
There continues to be a demand for social workers locally and nationally. Some of our Social Work graduates have even gone on to work in Canada, the USA, New Zealand and Australia.
Recent Social Work graduates who completed placements in children and family settings have started jobs in:
- child protection teams
- adoption and fostering teams
- youth offending services
- disability services.
Recent Social Work graduates who completed placements in adults settings have started jobs in:
- hospital social work
- mental health social work
- drugs and alcohol social work.
Many graduates pursue learning through continuing professional development courses and progress to take leadership roles in the profession.
(Department of Social Work and Social Care careers database)
Find out more about a career in social work at BBC Bitesize: How to become a social worker: Omar’s story