Funding and work experience for Social Work Masters?

[PolkaDottedShoes]

Hi all

Would appreciate any advice

I'm looking into hopefully retraining as a Social Worker within the next few years (I'm currently a new SAHM with twins under one). I have a degree in a related subject and 3 years post university working full time within education (I also worked in relevant settings throughout my degree)

My questions are:

Is there funding for a Social MA? Would this cover fees? (I have googled and read different things) I have heard of a bursary but have read some people couldn't receive it unless they were doing undergraduate or the MSc? (sorry read this in another forum, not sure the difference between the MA and MSc course?)

If there is funding, would it be likely to drastically change by then anyway?! I'm waiting until my twins are older (nursery at 3 or starting school) due to childcare costs- not sure if I would get any help with these as a post grad student.

Is there any work experience/voluntary work I can be doing in the meantime?

I have heard about Step up to Social work on here so have had a quick look at that as well.

Any social workers out there?

I am a social worker. However, I did a BA so I can't be any help whatsoever with funding - sorry!! I'm going to a post grad info evening next week maybe it would be an idea to go along to one of those (loads at the moment) and speak to them. That way you would get chance to meet other people considering the MA.

I would suggest getting some work experience. Although it is not as necessary as it used to be (previously min 250 hrs) it is still considered and given that large numbers of people apply for the social work courses the more experience you can put down the better.

Good luck - I loved doing my degree!

Hello,

I am planning much the same as you at the mo (although I am in Wales so things are slightly different). It is pretty confusing and has taken me ages to figure out! You are entiltled to a bursary in England, have a look at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/841.aspx for info.

Its about £6000in wales. Fees (again in Wales) are around £4000, but the care council for Wales cover around £3000 of this. So you are left with around £4000 left over. You can also apply for a Child Care Grant which can cover upto 85% of Childcare fees (but this is means tested).

I imagine things are similar in England, but there are always some differences so perhaps you could check the website of the Uni you want to attend as they often have info? Or try www.communitycare.co.uk/social-work-degree-social-care-students/ were there are lots of knowlegable people who can probably help you and most are based in England so they can tell you for sure.

Hope that's of some help and good luck.