Social work postgrad/Frontline/Step up Qs

Hiya,
I'm looking to become a social worker and am hoping to apply to Step Up next year and then to apply for a Masters as backup. I'll also apply to Frontline this year for next summer. I had a few questions though:
- With Frontline and Step Up, do you have to complete the Masters in the second year? The PGDip qualifies you and I'm guessing the Masters is just undertaking a dissertation, so if you don't want the extra qualification, can you just work the second year in the LA and attend any uni days necessary but not complete the Masters? Frontline say you have the opportunity to complete the Masters so I'm guessing this would be fine, just wondering.
- With the MA/MSc, again is there a possibility of just doing PGDip? I can only sem to find these together with Step Up.
- What is the deal with the Social Work bursary? Do your fees get paid? I'm wondering otherwise how anyone affords it? 5000 a year, full time study/placements... any experiences?
Who else is looking to apply next year? I'm looking forward but not looking forward to all the assessment centres and interviews...
Schmee

Hi, Im looking at applying for Step Up. I live in Lancashire so don't believe Frontline will be for me as it seems to be all South (correct me if Im wrong please). The reason for going for Step Up is its the only way I can do it. As I understand it you get a £19,000 bursary (tax free) plus your fees are paid for. As I really cant do without a wage this is the only way I have of becoming a social worker. I am a mature student and have graduated with a first this year by completing a flexible degree with Edge Hill whilst also working full time. Any advice of how other people have managed to juggle paying a mortgage with studying to be a social worker would be gratefully received. Schmee which part of the country are you in?

Hiya
Yes this is why I want to do Frontline or Step Up although I don't have a mortgage but would like to eventually have enough money to get one! I don't know how mature students manage on the MA course. I believe on the MA you can get a bursary to cover your fees and possibly some living costs but I doubt this would cover all your costs.. and it's not guaranteed!
Frontline also cover Greater Manchester which could be useful to you depending on where in Lancashire you are.
I'm in the South, hoping to move to West Midlands or South West for the training if I get a place.

Anybody else getting frustrated about the Step up site not being updated? All indications are that they will recruit for January 2018 but need to know!!

Yes! So frustrating! Barely any info considering it states that we can apply next month. I'm going to try and email and ask, if I find anything out ill let you know.

Hi,

Does anyone know do you have to have a 2:1 degree. I only have a 2:2 but have lots of experience? Im not sure whether to just apply for a masters instead

Anybody else logging on daily (hourly today) to see if there are any developments on the government website!?!?

They phoned me today and left a voicemail saying that a lot of local authorities had applied for the scheme and that the department of education is deciding who will be part of it, ensuring they fit as many authorities in as they can and we need to keep checking the website for more info! I personally don't feel like that's very informative! Hopefully they will update the website soon.