Health and Social Care Degree

[shivbo2014]

I was hoping for some advice please! I am hoping to eventually become a Social Worker. I'm not in a massive rush as after reading a lot about the intensity of the degree, along with the amount of placements and the workload and lack of part time jobs once qualified I've realised it's probably not the best time as my youngest is only starting nursery next year.

So, my new plan is to study a Health and Social Care degree with the OU part time while working part time as a Housing Officer in either sheltered/supported accommodation or as a Support Worker. The former will pay more but the latter will give more relevant experience!

Once i have completed the degree, I'm hoping to do step up to social work. I may not do that for another 6 or 7 years or so.

Has anyone completed the H&SC degree? How did you find it? If you've studied with the OU how have you found it?

I was thinking of doing this course now just to get some experience of studying again but not sure if it's worth the money, does anyone know?

associationoflearning.com/product/ncfe-cache-level-3-award-in-health-and-social-care/

How does that compare, and does it have any advantage over, the OU People, Work & Society access course:

www.open.ac.uk/courses/modules/y032#entry-requirements (may need to scroll up)

which you could study for free?

This is a good route in for both qualification and experience at the same time:

https://findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/courses/381

Thank you for your responses!

Unfortunately they aren't doing apprenticeships in my area for social work. I have registered my interest in an adult social care apprenticeship but I think the hours would be too long at the moment as I still want to be around for the kids as much as possible, especially as my youngest starts nursery.

The other course does Unfortunately wouldn't be free for me as our household income would be too high. Also, don't think it can be paid in installments like the one I posted.

A colelague of mine studies a H&SC degree while working as a support worker.

She has now left to become a Community Care Officer, completing carer assessments for the Local Authority.

Thank you that's interesting, I'll have a look into that role.

I've decided to just go straight into studying the H&SC degree. I've registered to start in February. I can't wait!