To think DD is a fool to do this degree???

[ColgatePlax]

DD is 19 - she is planning to do Psychology this year at uni. Unfortunately, she didn't get on the Social Work due to no experience at all. They are a very flexible uni WRT the experience for school leavers, but as she has absolutely none, they said they just couldn't as she couldn't answer any of the questions about how she would work as a Social Worker.

She plans to use the Psychology degree for a few years and then do a masters program for Social Work???

I've said to her that as the uni literally told her if she had done a placement with sixth form (she couldn't do it at the time) she would have most likely been okay, that she should take this year to work in a related setting (care assistant, etc.) or volunteer, etc. she currently works in a supermarket, so she could do this. Surely that's a better idea that her plan!? Uni is very expensive!!

University is an education not a training course. Doing the psychology degree will broaden her education and confirm whether she wants to be a SW. Being more mature in placements will also be an advantage. She is keeping her options open and that is a good thing. She has 45 years of work ahead of her; she doesn't need to fix it at 19

I don't really get why you think she is a fool.

Her plans are sensible. Is it you who actually wants her to go into social work? Perhaps she is less sure, so is keeping her options open for as long as possible. Nothing foolish about that. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Won't there be expense with the SW degree just the same as psychology. Let her go for the psychology course, she may well change her mind about the SW course as she matures. Doesn't need to go for a masters but actual work experience e.g. voluntary agency or local authority is a must to apply for SW degree. Your DD not having experienced life in the raw perhaps has a rather naive view of being a SW and what it is really like.

There is the exact same student debt for social work degree. I'm still paying mine ☺if she does masters she may get a bursary anyway.

Sorry I've not had time to read the whole thread. My degree is in social work. I did a small amount of voluntary work before I did my degree, but I was also seen as a mature student (at the grand old age of 22!) My degree has not restricted me to working as a social work, in fact I've never done this line of work, but I have worked in a similar field since. I guess it depends what work she wants to go into & whether an SW qualification will allow this. She'll need to research this I guess. Good luck to her 😊

Hmmm. It's a tricky one and there is merit in both points of view. I would say if she is definite she wants to do social work, she is best doing the direct route. Having said that, it's hard to know if you definitely want to do something until you do it (if you see what I mean!) and social work is an incredibly demanding and stressful job. But she will still have a degree and would be able to apply that in other related areas of work if she decides social work isn't for her. A psychology degree is broader so may keep more doors open but she is also more likely to need additional training in the future, even if she decides on a career that's not social work. But again she will still have a degree and as she progresses she will be able to explore and find out more about related career options. Either way, getting a degree and some paid or voluntary experience in the care/social work field will stand her in great stead. Good luck to her whatever she decides.

I vaguely remember that the SW and Phil students did all the same classes as the Psych students for the first year when I was at Uni in the 90s. I could be wrong, but let's pretend I'm right for the moment - she could do first year as a Psych student and then transfer to SW for her 2nd year. Much easier to switch course once you're in, than when you're out.

I think it's fair to suggest your idea as an alternative option that she may not have considered. But it's her life and her decision and you would be a fool to risk the resentment of her getting it wrong and blaming you!

Is the social work degree fully funded?

Otherwise, what's the difference - she'll be paying for a degree either way?

Or she may change her mind and decide she wants to become a psychologist.

Stereo - based on what evidence? I have a clutch of asyes now who came straight from uni and are 21. Sw students who get statutory placements manage well
Going straight in to the service. That's kind of the point of the asye year and why it's mandatory.

I am a Careers Adviser and would have no concerns if your daughter came to me with those plans in mind. Psychology is a good broad based academic subject which would provide a good grounding if she decided to enter social work training in the future. As she gains more experience of education, work and life in general other options may well present themselves.