About the course
This Master's takes a global perspective to understanding and addressing social issues, offering you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for a career in international social welfare and social development.
The course includes learning about humanitarian aid, human rights, ethics and social justice as well as acquiring practical skills like advocacy, group work and intercultural competence - skills which are needed to work effectively with communities and individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
Your studies allow you to explore a variety of case studies and approaches to social welfare and development across various international contexts, including in the Global South.
Why choose this course?
- Gain a comprehensive and critical understanding of the theoretical and ethical underpinnings and approaches to international social welfare and social development including attention to power, decolonisation and anti-discriminatory practice
- Develop your critical thinking, research and analysis skills, encouraging reflectiveness; increasing self-awareness; and acquiring in-depth knowledge of a specialist subject of your own choosing
- Learn from an academic team with considerable research and practice experience
Course Leader - Dr Lena S. Opfermann
I am Senior Lecturer in Applied Social Studies and coordinate the MA International Social Welfare and Social Development. Prior to joining the University of Bedfordshire in September 2019 I worked as Teaching Fellow in Post-conflict Reconstruction at Durham University where I was Programme Director of two MSc Programmes at the Durham Global Security Institute (DGSi) from 2017-2019.
Units
- Comparative Social Welfare And Cultural Competence - Approaches, Policy And Practice (ASS067-6) Compulsory
- Dissertation In International Social Welfare And Social Development (ASS072-6) Compulsory
- Humanitarian Aid, Non-Governmental Organisations (Ngos) And Social Welfare In Disasters (ASS069-6) Compulsory
- International Social Welfare And Social Development (ASS066-6) Compulsory
- Research Methods 1 : Setting Deep Foundations (ASS129-6) Compulsory
- Research Methods 2 : Design, Data Collection And Ethics (ASS130-6) Compulsory
- Abuse, Exploitation And Human Trafficking (ASS119-6) Optional
- Complexities Of Forced Migration, Human Displacement, Trafficking And Refuge (ASS064-6) Optional
- Gender And International Social Welfare And Social Development (ASS071-6) Optional
- Human Rights (ASS099-6) Optional
- Social Enterprise (ASS141-6) Optional
Case studies, presentations and tools for reflective learning are used extensively in assessment to ensure a depth of knowledge is evidenced and the ability to communicate complex information in a variety of formats to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. The assessment methods used relate closely to the intended unit learning outcomes as evidenced in the UIFs, and provide scope for choice and creativity in fulfilling them The assessment strategy is intended to enable students to: 1. Show originality in the application of knowledge and understand how the boundaries are advanced through research. 2. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and show originality in tackling and solving problems, and, 3. Have the qualities needed for employment in circumstances requiring ethical judgement, critical knowledge reflective skills and cultural competence as well as deep awareness of global and local issues and their connections. Formative assessment is used in the course to support students learning building up their ability to receive and act upon feedback as they progress in their studies. A focus on the application of theory to practice will be expected in this Award and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of the ethical, political and social underpinnings of practice in global and local contexts. In summary the assessment methods used across the course include: - Written essay assignments - these vary from case studies to appraisal of practice approaches which allow students to demonstrate the ability to provide written evaluation and synthesis in their scholarship. - Oral presentations and posters and a podcast which demonstrate verbal and presentational skills in communicating complex materials/information to diverse audiences The Dissertation allows students to undertake a complex research project in an area of their choice and communicate knowledge, findings and recommendations demonstrating the ability to implement and deliver a self-directed, complex and solution focused professional task.
Why Study in the School of Applied Social Sciences?
- Courses developed in partnership with practice agencies
- Our research involving robots, shows that they can improve mental health and loneliness in the elderly
- Part of the SASS change makers initiative
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
With demand growing for social welfare and social development professionals who have the skills and cultural competency to operate globally, there is wide range of job opportunities available in both the statutory and non-statutory sectors, including specialist roles in NGOs and various humanitarian organisations as well as the United Nations.
Typical career paths include international development; international social work; work in the humanitarian sector; and human rights work in institutions such as international and local non-governmental organisations; local and central government; United Nations; and private and public sector research. Job roles include social development worker; child protection worker; community worker; project worker; and advocacy worker.
You may also wish to continue with further study at Professional Doctorate or PhD level.
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Extra Costs
Luton Campus Centre
The Campus Centre brings together all our student services under one roof including the Students’ Union and spaces to eat, drink, relax and learn.
There's a large central lecture theatre as well as a range of study rooms & breakout spaces on the upper floors.
Luton Campus Library
The library is a modern 9-storey building dedicated to study and learning.
As well as traditional library provisions it offers individual and group study spaces, a cafeteria on the ground floor and a ‘Study Hub’ offering guidance and workshops on academic writing and research skills to ensure all Bedfordshire students get the help they need to succeed in their studies.
Beds SU
When you join the University of Bedfordshire, you don't just join the university - you also become a member of Bedfordshire Students' Union (Beds SU)!
Beds SU is led by four Student Officers - a President and three Vice Presidents - who are elected annually by University of Bedfordshire students to lead the Students' Union.
We are here to help every student at the University of Bedfordshire get the most out of their university experience. We campaign on issues that you care about, as well as provide lots of opportunities for you to meet new people, develop your skills, campaign for change and try something new.
Aspire Gym
The Aspire Gym has state of the art cardiovascular equipment with smart phone compatibility. There is also an extensive range of fixed resistance machines and a small free weights area.
Changing rooms with showers and lockers are available for members to use.
Luton Campus Accommodation
The University guarantees accommodation to all new students. Fitzroy Court and Wenlock Court, the two main halls of residence, are located on campus so getting to lectures, shopping in town and participating in events and activities is easy.
STEM building
The STEM building is home to courses in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Opened in Autumn 2019, its cutting edge facilities provides four computer laboratories; workshops for subjects such as automotive engineering, cyber-security and robotics, along with three large teaching labs, and four specialist containment labs.
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
