We aim to ensure that our students understand the theoretical foundations of social work, rooted in psychology and sociology; that they understand the social policy and legal context, especially the statutory provisions regarding child care, mental health and adult care; and that they are skilled in working with individuals, families, groups, fellow social workers and other professionals.By the end of this programme you will have acquired the knowledge and skills to start work as a confident and competent 'beginning social worker'.**Practice Placements**Placement learning is central to social work education. Students on the MA Social Work will spend approximately 170 days in practice-based learning, with placements undertaken with at least two different service user groups. We stress the role of personal tutors who will take an active interest in your development. Whilst on placement, you will work closely with a qualified 'practice educator', who will guide and assess your practice. University tutors maintain close links with students, and there are regular 'call back' days, when students return to the University to work on the links between theory and practice.**Centre for Research on the Child and Family**Students undertaking the MA Social Work degree also benefit from close collaboration with research conducted by the Centre for Research on Children and Families - one of the University's Research Centres working at the forefront of policy debates in social policy. The Centre's research spans the full range of issues facing contemporary policy makers and practitioners working with and for children and their families. Watch Gillian Schofield, Head of School, present at UEA Court 2015.We continue to produce rigorous, high-quality and timely research evidence, informing the complex policy and practice decisions which have to be made on a daily basis. Our ultimate ambition is that this evidence is used to improve the well-being of children and families in their diverse communities and service user environments.**Disclaimer** Course details are subject to change. You should always confirm the details on the provider's website: **www.uea.ac.uk**