Master Of Social Work in University of Malta, Malta

Master Of Social Work in University of Malta

This is a professional degree providing a graduate entry into the profession of Social Work for graduates from other fields. This is in line with cutting edge social work education in other countries. 

This degree, grounded in the critical and creative thinking approach to learning with a strong foundation in systematic inquiry and an evidence-based tradition to learning, prepares students with the values, knowledge and competencies necessary to become competent social workers. Emphasis is placed on practical placements, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, research, and personal and professional development. To this end, students undertake a range of taught study units, a dissertation and two assessed placements in organisations providing social work services.

Learning outcomes

Individuals who complete the Master of Social Work programme are educated into the profession of social work. They are able to utilise social work practice theories and methods for work with individuals, families, groups and communities. Through the knowledge, values and skills gained, they demonstrate that they are equipped to work with vulnerable individuals in society; to appreciate diversity and individuality; to identify strengths in people and communities; and to seek to develop those strengths and to build on them. They are also able to conduct evaluation of social work practice which is evidence based.

By the end of the Course, students will be able to:

1. Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.
1a. advocate for client access to the services of social work;
1b. practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development;
1c. attend to professional roles and boundaries;
1d. engage in career-long learning;
1e. use supervision and consultation.

2. Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
2a. recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice;
2b. make ethical decisions by applying standards of the Maltese Association of Social Workers Code of ethics;
2c. tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts;
2d. apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions.

3. Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgements.
3a. distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom;
3b. analyze models of assessment, prevention, and evaluation;
3c. demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals, families, groups, organisations, communities and colleagues.

4. Engage diversity and difference in practice.
4a. recognize the extent to which a culture's structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege or power;
4b. gain sufficient awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups;
4c. recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences;
4d. view themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants.

5. Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
5a. understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination;
5b. advocate for human rights and social and economic justice;
5c. engage in practices that advance social and economic justice.

6. Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
6a. use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry;
6b. use research evidence to inform practice.

7. Apply knowledge of human behaviour and the social environment.
7a. utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention and evaluation;
7b. critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.

8. Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work practice.
8a. analyze, formulate and advocate for policies that advance social well-being;
8b. collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action.

Course intended for

The students expected to read for this course are graduates in related fields, who are interested in obtaining a professional degree and becoming social workers. There are currently a number of related undergraduate degrees that do not offer their graduates a professional qualification. Thus, this new Postgraduate programme will be a path that students, qualified in these disciplines, could take in order to pursue a social work career. 

It is an ideal course for some students, returning to studies, following a number of years in employment or in caring roles. These would have obtained degrees in related fields, and would now be seeking a professional degree in social work. The course is also intended for any graduates, in any field who are seeking a complete change in career.

Career opportunites and access to further studies

A Master of Social Work will give graduates access to the profession of social work, and opportunities for working in the different settings of social work. This includes working in the areas of children and families, the elderly, disability, addictions, mental health, education, rehabilitation, health, diversity and anti-oppression, community work, poverty, and inclusion, amongst others. 

The degree is a pathway to further studies like specialist Masters or Doctoral studies.