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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Becoming a social worker

101 replies

debbs77 · 03/03/2017 21:12

I'm looking to study a BA in Social WORK with a view to eventually becoming a social worker.

I've been a full time mum for 13 years and always wanted to work in the health sector. Always wanted to be a midwife but as a single mum the study and placements etc make it impossible for now.

I'd like to be a social worker and perhaps look further later on in to end of life care.

Have anyone done this? Can anyone recommend somewhere for distance learning?

OP posts:
Gallavich · 05/03/2017 13:28

PgDip in social work? They don't exist anymore! Haven't done for years and years

Original poster
debbs77 · 05/03/2017 13:47

From what I've read you can pay per module. But still not financially viable for me. Six kids and I'm the only one paying for them xz

OP posts:
Hopeless29 · 05/03/2017 14:04

Google
PgDip in social worker.

You're thinking of the diploma in social work. Not the POSTGRADUATE diploma in social work

murdershewrote · 05/03/2017 14:21

I can't do postgraduate route as I didn't get a high enough grade in my degree. That's why BA is the only option.

Hopeless29 · 05/03/2017 14:42

Don't be daft. There's no specification for what class of degree you have. As long as you actually have a degree. Even if that's a third class degree.

Hopeless29 · 05/03/2017 14:43

The MA says you should ideally have a first or 2:1 undergrad degree but they taken many students which lower classifications. You just have to show you could complete the course and put in a good application.

I had a 2:2 degree

Gallavich · 05/03/2017 14:45

I did an MA with a 2:2. I had a lot of experience in social care work which was worth more than a 2:1. I got a merit in my MA Smile

murdershewrote · 05/03/2017 14:58

I only got a pass, didn't get honours as I became ill and didn't resist two modules so I had to accept a pass. I doubt anyone would accept this? I would love to do the MA but assumed I'd never get on it

murdershewrote · 05/03/2017 14:59

I also have worked in social care for 15 years, do you think this would make a difference?

wizzywig · 05/03/2017 15:15

murdershewrote im in the same situation. i have a 2:2, 3/4 years of varied work experience in the social care, mental health world. im hoping it will count for something. i know i can do it, i just want to be given a chance. OP, i know how it feels when there just seems to be a closed door in whatever career choice you are looking at (namely becuase you dont have free childcare). for me its been a waiting game til my kids are old enough. but ive tried to use that time to build up my voluntary work experience.

Hopeless29 · 05/03/2017 15:17

I got onto the MA course with a 2:2 and absolutely no experience apart from caring for my brother who has disabilities. It never entered my head that I wouldn't be accepted.

I knew I would. I got into every single university I

murdershewrote · 05/03/2017 15:23

Do you think I should just make an application or call the admissions tomorrow?

Hopeless29 · 05/03/2017 16:56

Just make an application. I'm sure you will get in! Good luck!!! 😀

Original poster
debbs77 · 05/03/2017 19:41

I definitely won't be able to do it at this time. Will have to wait until children are older. But in the meantime I will do some other relevant study, such as learning sign language etc

OP posts:
littleblackno · 05/03/2017 19:52

I don't know anything about the frontline route but with OU you still have to do placements which I'm not aware by one who can arrange their own. Most people I know doing the OU route have an employer supporting this so they can do at least one of the placements is with the employer. In both the BA and MA you have to spend 6 days in a statutory setting- it's not long, just supposed to give you a flavour. Again I'm not aware of anyone who has arranged this themselves as LA departments won't let anyone in to do this without uni credentials (I get approached lots and no authority I've worked for will allow it.)

littleblackno · 05/03/2017 19:57

Meant to say good luck- It's important to be realistic about the job though. It can be very worth while but is far from romantic. I'm feeling very disillusioned with it all at the moment after 14years in the job but if you think it's for you then go for it, you will find a way.

littleblackno · 05/03/2017 19:59

Just read your last post, you would be better off getting more experience paid or voluntary in a related area rather than study (not discouraging study though)

irishe · 05/03/2017 20:23

I am not a SW but a friends husband did a distance learning SW degree with placements at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. From a brief look at their web page you need current relevant work. This is a BA.

www.rgu.ac.uk/social-work-and-social-sciences/study-options/postgraduate-taught-full-time/social-work

They also do a MSc ( link above) which suggests there may be scholarships available for payment of tuition fees? No grade of first degree stipulated but prefer social science.

Thought I would post above in case of any assistance to those looking to study SW.

Pibplob · 05/03/2017 20:31

Those who are social workers. Can I ask what type of field you work in. Thanks

littleblackno · 05/03/2017 21:27

I have always worked with adults, a few years in hospital discharge then community work- mainly older people. I currently work in intermediate care reviewing clients after they have been in hospital- again mainly older people. It's very pressured and stressful. We've had a few SWs join our team from children services as they thought it would be easier and find that it really isn't.

Nasreen · 06/03/2017 13:05

Hi all
Can I ask, do all local authorities participate in the Step up Social work programme? The GOV page says check early 2017 to see which authorities will be taking part, but I can't find details of this?

Also, what kind of voluntary placements are recommended? i have 10 months experience working in a primary school and am planning on volunteering with the Catch 22 charity, if I can find something suitable. It says the application process is starting March 2017 and training starts January 2018. Would it be worth me applying for next year, if I got cracking with the voluntary work now, or would I not gain enough experience between now and then?

Also, although I have a 2:1 Honours degree and a P.G.C.E, my A level grades were not great (D E). Would that hinder me?

Cuppaand2biscuits · 06/03/2017 13:11

I'm also looking at doing a post grad course in social work but looking ahead I'm wondering are all social worker roles full time?
I don't mind being full time whilst I train but in the longer term I don't need or want a full time post. Is it realistic to assume I'll find something part time? Max 3 days a week?

irishe · 06/03/2017 17:45

Nasreen I know 2 social workers who work part time, one 3 days a week for a local authority and one 2 days a week for an adoption agency.

This is anecdotal of course, but I would have thought it was like many jobs were you may need to start off full time but could then request a change of hours?

littleblackno · 06/03/2017 22:01

I have no idea about the Step up Programme. As far as I know the LA I work for isn't offering it.
There are plenty of part time vacancies out there- I've worked part time for years- although I think less than 3 days would be hard. I'm now a manager and work part time. It would be hard to do the placements part time though.

FoofFighter · 11/03/2017 17:47

Some incorrect info above - you cannot claim Income Support as a Higher Ed student. You may still be able to claim Child Tax Credits if your income is below the 16k whatever it is.

You won't have to pay Council Tax as a ft student. You may or may not get any help from Housing Benefit. I got barest amount of £10 a week towards mine as a single parent.