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Mature study and retraining

Talk to other Mumsnetters who are considering a career change or are mature students.

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Original poster

Social Work Degree

37 replies

shivbo2014 · 03/11/2021 14:34

I was wondering if someone could give me some advice. I am looking into starting a degree in social work. Initially I would need to do the access to higher education diploma (I don't have any a levels) and then hopefully get a place at a uni to study full time and get my degree.
I have looked into the fees and the initial course could be covered by an advanced learner loan but if I do that I then won't be able to apply for a tuition fee loan when I want to start me degree as from what I can gather you can only get a loan on your first higher education course, is this correct? Even if you pay for the first course yourself?

The degree is £9200 a year for 3 years so impossible for me to pay outright.

Does anyone have any advice of what I could do?

OP posts:

Original poster

shivbo2014 · 23/11/2021 07:32

Thanks for the replies, it's good to hear the good and the bad! I have my heart set on it and can't really muster any enthusiasm for studying anything else. I was looking at OT as well but the course doesn't interest me in the same way, although the job would be very rewarding. I'm just hoping I can cope with the demands of the course and pass!

OP posts:

felulageller · 09/12/2021 15:34

I'd advise doing OT instead. Same pay and a job that won't suck the life out of you.

CP will never be 9-5. If you need those hours do older people.

Original poster

shivbo2014 · 09/12/2021 16:11

Thanks for the advice. I have decided to do my degree in Health and Social Care, im starting in February. I dont think I can commit to the placements that come with the Social Work Degree while my littlest is so young. I can do H&SC part time and work within the industry to gain experience. Still have my heart set on Social Work but will hopefully be able to do step up to social work after completing my degree.

OP posts:

MeredithMae · 09/12/2021 19:30

Are you still going to do an access course? My access was the best thing I've ever done for myself. You can choose your degree while you're doing that later.

Original poster

shivbo2014 · 09/12/2021 22:06

I'm not. Im studying with the Open University just going to start the degree part time from February... Throw myself in at the deep end!

OP posts:

fluffynotebook · 23/12/2021 22:30

This has been a really interesting read! I'm currently considering social work. It's a career change for me. At the moment I'm an Independent Visitor to a young person in care, I'm a Home Start volunteer and I've recently got a second part time job working in residential childcare, doing 1 shift a week. I'd like to get a job as family support worker and then progress with training, although nothing is set in stone yet and I'm just going to see how I get on. I do love helping people though.

Original poster

shivbo2014 · 27/12/2021 06:59

@fluffynotebook

I'm also hoping to start working part time as a Family Support worker while studying my Health and Social Care degree. I'm hoping that will give me the experience required to get a place on the Step Up To Social Work fast track programme when ive completed my degree!

OP posts:

fluffynotebook · 27/12/2021 19:40

@shivbo2014 the degree you've decided to do sounds amazing! I've just had a look.
I'm the same as you and have my heart set on this kind of work.
Wishing you all the best for February when you start, would love to hear how you get on!

Original poster

shivbo2014 · 30/12/2021 07:57

[quote fluffynotebook]@shivbo2014 the degree you've decided to do sounds amazing! I've just had a look.
I'm the same as you and have my heart set on this kind of work.
Wishing you all the best for February when you start, would love to hear how you get on!
[/quote]
Thank you! I'll keep you updated!

OP posts:

Allaboutyou222 · 30/12/2021 08:07

Once you get your degree you could
Always then go on to do a MA in social work anyway good luck OP

cakehearts · 30/08/2022 20:25

Hi, currently in a similar situation. I have a new high schooler, one in primary school and another in nursery. Have no degree (have BTEC NC in business) and desperately need to do a course of some kind to get a good job that pays a decent salary. Was looking at something in the health care dept but can’t commit to placements as well. How has ur chosen course been so far? Any update? Look forward to hearing from you. Thx

Original poster

shivbo2014 · 31/08/2022 10:38

It's going really well, I'm loving learning again and I find the open university great. I'd totally recommend them. There is plenty of support! Just about to finish my first module and starting my next one in a couple of weeks. My littlest starts nursery next week so ill.have a little more time to focus on my studies. Still plan on doing the step up to social work post graduate diploma once I've finished my degree.

OP posts:

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