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2 children, pregnant do you think it would be possible to retrain as a social worker? Entry 2012

7 replies

Fortress · 20/01/2011 19:17

Hello,
I've read a few previous posts on the best route to study.

There don't seem to be any trainee/assistant roles (have done a search on my local authority website).

My local university offer a Ba, Bsc and a Msc.
I do already have a degree but in something completely different... so would I be better off doing the undergraduate degree?

I'm also unsure I have the specific work experience necessary to get on the course.... I have bits and pieces over the years though IYSWIM?

Oh and also the costs! How did you manage it?! I think my mum would probably help out part-time...

Would love any advice, encouragement, words of wisdom etc! Please :)

TIA

OP posts:
kayah · 21/01/2011 16:30

I think Social work degrees are very competitive
have you spoken to your uni what are they requrements for mature students?

maybe you have time to gain enough experience to be accepted to do masters instead of ba?

insertexpletive · 21/01/2011 16:42

I would suggest that you look into Masters courses if you already have a degree (as long as it is a good pass)as there is then the possiblity of getting a bursary.

Try this site for advice.

You will need to show commitment and a good understanding of the role and if you are not already working in social care, this would usually need to be in the form of regular voluntary work.

HTH

Fortress · 21/01/2011 19:31

Thanks very much for the responses! I already do roughly one hour voluntary a week working with homeless/vulnerable women but I imagine that's probably not enough?
I have quite a lot of life experience ie cared for my nanna before she died (not full time though), had a traumatic experience in my teens, I've done a counselling course (person centred introduction course)....
I have a very good degree pass in a design field but it was with honours.
It would certainly be cheaper doing it over two years! It's just difficult fitting in more voluntary work which I'm sure is what they want... But I just wonder how people do it with children, jobs etc!

OP posts:
RoobyMurray · 21/01/2011 19:51

Hiya, I'm currently in my second year of a masters in social work so I can let you know something about my experiences.

First of all, ring the unis you're interested in and they will tell you what kind of experience they are looking for. I know there are people on my course with an unrelated degree but with work/voluntary/personal experience of social issues, so the experiences you have may count for something, depending on the uni.

At my uni (and probably others) there is an emphasis on understanding not only the role, but also social work values and ethics.

You don't have to memorise these as you can demonstrate them without even knowing of their existence! for example, if you can talk about how you helped your nana to maintain her dignity in her final years, then you have demonstrated one element of the values. If you've ever advocated on your nana's behalf, e.g. with a doc, that would demonstrate another.

On the practical side, it is HARD!! I have two DCs, 3 and 5 and Iots of family support, but I'm knackered all the time. If I had to work as well (as others on my course do, even with children) I'm not sure if I would still be doing it. On the masters you have to do two 100 days (6months ish) work placements, which can be up to an hour and a half travelling time from home! I'm lucky that they were able to find me one nearer than that, but you end up working and commuting all day, come home, kids to bed, then hit the books til you drop.

I can't begin to think about how hard it would be with a baby/young toddler, when you might not get any sleep as well.

But, saying that, I'm soft and I know many women are much more hardcore than me and just get on with it - only you know that about yourself!

On the positive side IT'S ACE and I love it! I would sit in lectures grinning Grin

There's always the option of applying for 2012 then deferring a year too.

Good luck and PM me if you need owt else! Smile

RoobyMurray · 21/01/2011 19:54

oh god, sorry, that was long... Blush

ahem,

I forgot to say about finances: the masters bursary pays (most) of the fees if you meet the criteria. they also give a small amount towards living and childcare costs, which varies depending on your personal circumstances, but it's not much.

Fortress · 21/01/2011 20:38

Thanks very much rooby! Would really appreciate asking you a few more questions, thanks :)

OP posts:
darleneconnor · 30/01/2011 14:09

this gives a really thorough idea of what kind of experience sw courses want.

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