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Master of Science - Social Work

Master's degree, Social sciences and humanities. Cardiff University - Cathays Park, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.

Level
Master's degree
Field
Social sciences and humanities
School
Cardiff University - Cathays Park
Location
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Tuition (first year)
22,700 GBP
Application fee
Free
Earliest intake
Sept 2027
Living costs (school estimate)
13,347 GBP a year
School type
Public
DLI number
10007814

Program overview

Master of Science - Social Work is a master's degree program in social sciences and humanities at Cardiff University - Cathays Park, a public institution in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, founded in 1883.

First-year tuition is listed at 22,700 GBP and the application fee at Free. The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027.

Applications to Cardiff University - Cathays Park typically receive a decision in 3 days and 21 hours, based on recent applications.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 36,047 GBP for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. UKVI sets a monthly maintenance amount that differs for London and the rest of the UK, plus the tuition fee for the first year, up to a cap. You must also pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Amounts are updated by the UK government, so read the money section of the official guidance before you apply.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

ItemAmount (GBP)
Tuition, first year22,700 GBP
Living costs, first year (school estimate)13,347 GBP
Application fee (one time)Free
Estimated first-year total36,047 GBP

How the tuition compares in United Kingdom

Our directory lists 568 master's degree programs in social sciences and humanities at 64 schools in United Kingdom. Their median first-year tuition is 22,115 GBP, and the middle half cost between 18,995 GBP and 26,500 GBP.

At 22,700 GBP, Master of Science - Social Work is 3% above the median, in the middle of the range. The full range runs from 9,025 GBP to 34,800 GBP.

Lower-cost master's degree options in social sciences and humanities

If budget matters, these master's degree programs in social sciences and humanities have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in United Kingdom.

ProgramSchoolTuition (1st year)
1-Term International Incorporated Masters (IIM) - Continue to Master of Arts - International Relations and Security StudiesUniversity of Bradford International College, Bradford9,025 GBP
Master of Arts - International Relations (Applied)Teesside University, Middlesbrough10,000 GBP
Master of Arts - Social Work (CID1191)University of Sunderland - Sunderland, Sunderland10,000 GBP
Master of Arts by Research - History, Religion, Philosophy and PoliticsUniversity of Gloucestershire - Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham13,425 GBP
Master of Arts - International Relations Richmond American University London, London13,750 GBP
Master of Arts – Garden HistoryUniversity of Buckingham - London Campus, London14,500 GBP

Plan for the Sept 2027 intake

Working back from a Sept 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September or October is the main intake for most courses, with a January or February intake for some. Visa applications can be made within a set window before the course start date.

ByStep
November 2026Shortlist programs, check entry requirements and book your English test.
January 2027Prepare your statement of purpose, references and transcripts, then apply.
March 2027Receive offers, compare total costs and accept one.
May 2027Pay the deposit, gather funds evidence and apply for the student visa.
August 2027Book travel and accommodation once the visa is approved.

Entry requirements and documents

Cardiff University - Cathays Park sets the exact entry requirements for Master of Science - Social Work . For a master's degree, applicants usually need the following.

Universities accept a range of tests and some accept alternative evidence. For the visa itself you may need an approved English test result or confirmation from the sponsor. Check what your sponsor will accept before booking a test.

  • A completed bachelor's degree, with transcripts and degree certificate.
  • A statement of purpose explaining why this program fits your plans.
  • Academic or employer references, and a CV if you have work experience.
  • A valid passport.
  • English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: Student visa (Student route)

Students from India need a Student visa (Student route) to study in United Kingdom. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) decides the application.

The UK Student visa is sponsored by a licensed university or college through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The route is points based and document heavy: funds, English language and sponsor details must all match the rules in force on the day you apply.

  • Apply to a licensed student sponsor. Undergraduate applications go through UCAS; most postgraduate applications go directly to the university.
  • Accept an offer, meet any conditions and pay any deposit requested. Ask for the CAS once you are eligible for it.
  • Prepare proof of funds held for the required period, your passport, the CAS details, English evidence and a tuberculosis test certificate where required for your country.
  • Check whether your subject needs ATAS clearance, then apply online and pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

After you graduate

Eligible graduates may apply for the Graduate route, which allows time in the UK to work or look for work. The length of stay and conditions have been under review, so use the current GOV.UK page and not older figures.

Scholarships at Cardiff University - Cathays Park

Check the eligibility rules for each scholarship before you apply. Some are applied automatically, others need a separate application.

  • Cardiff Business School 125th Anniversary Scholarship 2026: £10,000 GBP
  • Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarships: £10,000 GBP
  • Vice-Chancellor's Postgraduate International Scholarship: £4,000 - £10,000 GBP
  • Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate International Scholarship: £3,500 - £5,000 GBP

How to apply with Study Spectra

  • Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
  • We check your profile against Master of Science - Social Work and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
  • We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
  • When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Master of Science - Social Work ?

First-year tuition is listed at 22,700 GBP. Living costs are extra; Cardiff University - Cathays Park estimates 13,347 GBP a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

This program lists no application fee.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Master of Science - Social Work a degree?

It is listed as a master's degree. The school awards the degree on completion.

Which visa do I need to study in United Kingdom?

You need a Student visa (Student route), decided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Cardiff University - Cathays Park, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at Cardiff University - Cathays Park

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