United Arab Emirates University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced theoretical foundations, research methods and applied practice. Core topics typically include social work theory and ethics, human behaviour in the social environment, social welfare policy and planning, advanced clinical assessment and intervention, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Elective options and specialised seminars may cover child and family social work, mental health and substance misuse, gerontology, gender and migration, community development, and forensic social work.

A substantial supervised field practicum is a central element of the degree, enabling students to apply skills in settings such as hospitals, schools, child protection services, community centres and government welfare agencies. Depending on the route offered, students complete either a research thesis or a practice-based capstone project that demonstrates competence in evidence-informed social work.

Entry requirements

• A recognised bachelor’s degree in social work or a related social science discipline. Applicants with degrees in related fields may be required to demonstrate relevant coursework or professional experience in social services.
• Minimum academic standing from prior study, typically evidenced by a satisfactory grade-point average from an accredited institution.
• English language proficiency for applicants whose prior education was not in English, demonstrated by an approved test score or equivalent institutional evidence.
• Supporting documents including a curriculum vitae, personal statement outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the MSW, and academic or professional references.
• Some applicants may be invited to an interview. Relevant professional experience in social services can strengthen an application, especially where undergraduate social work preparation is limited.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for direct practice and leadership roles across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical roles include clinical social worker, child protection practitioner, school social worker, community development officer, case manager, and policy or programme officer in government ministries and non-governmental organisations. The research and policy components of the programme also support careers in social policy analysis, programme evaluation and applied social research. With further professional licensure or credentialing where required, graduates can work in healthcare settings, mental health services, rehabilitation centres, and international development organisations.

Why study at United Arab Emirates University

• United Arab Emirates University is the national university with a strong regional focus and established links to government agencies, healthcare providers and NGOs, offering relevant practicum placements across the UAE.
• The programme integrates international social work standards with sensitivity to UAE cultural, legal and policy contexts, preparing graduates to work effectively within local and regional systems.
• Students benefit from access to multidisciplinary faculty expertise, research centres addressing social welfare issues, and opportunities for applied research and community engagement.
• The MSW pathway supports professional development through supervised practice experience and options for research or practice-based capstone work, aligning academic learning with the competencies required by employers and regulatory bodies.