Social Work Studying

[lifesteeth]

I have no background in care or social work at all but I've known for the past few years that I want to be a social worker. It's all I want.

I've just registered with the OU with course k100 - understanding health and social care and plan to do the social work degree afterwards...am I doing it right? any advice on how to achieve my goals in this career would be much appreciated.

1. Do some voluntary work or get a part time job in social care to check that the reality matches the dream and to convince course providers that you are committed.

2a)If you have A levels or equivalent apply to do the social work degree asap.

2b)If you don't have A levels or equivalent apply to do an access course asap

I only have GCSE's so have registered with "understanding health and social care" so would this count as an access course?

Also, I'm thinking about volunteering with home-start, would this help?

The OU course is not enough to get on a degree course. You will need an access course if you do not have any A levels.

Homestart would be good experience however.

I started the course years ago (when it was DipSW) but had to drop out due to circumstances. I am thinking of applying to do it again after doing an OU course also (did the access last time).. I am not certain if it applies everywhere, but my local college/uni ask for GCSE Maths and English and A levels or equivelant (Access or OU 60 point course)
I would think that the K100 would be OK (but check with the Uni you are thinking of applying to first) as on the OU social work degree (only avaliable through employers) contains the K100. Vouluntary work is def needed, it used to be 6 months minimum. Any voluntary work is OK especially with vunerable groups. Good luck!