Social Work 2012 Entry

Scroll to see replies

Hi! Could anyone tell me how picky universities are when it comes to A-Level subjects for social work? I'm worried that I wouldn't have much of a chance with English, History and ICT...? I do voluntary work at a care home but I don't think my subjects are very suitable...

Thanks :smile:

Reply 21

lorrabell

none of the uni's ask for specific subjects so i wouldn't worry about that, as long as you get the grades you'll be ok, it's good that you do vol work too, good luck

Reply 22

alltheprettythings

Great, you've put my mind at rest :smile:

thanks, good luck to you too.

Reply 23

lorrabell

got a rejection from bournemouth as i didn't have enough work exp, to be honest i only changed from wanting to do social work from psychology in aug so started work exp late, hope i get better news from the other unis

Reply 24

Sine

Original post by LPK

It's definetly a good idea to get some work experience between now and the interview, but it won't be impossible to get onto a course without having any previous experience. I've read about people with much less experience getting offers because of how they managed to sell themselves as an applicant, so don't think it's over before it has even begun. :smile:

Some Uni's do have requirements for the amount of work experience you should have, but others are fairly flexible and will judge you on what you got out of the experience, however little it is. In the end you need to show the interviewer(s) that the experience you have, regardless of how much, is enough to make you a suitable candidate. You're telling them it's enough, not the other way round. :smile:

thanks

Reply 25

Inspired987

Where's the best place to apply for social work?

Reply 26

jellybeanjen

Original post by Inspired987

Where's the best place to apply for social work?

Hi inspired,

York, Leeds, Keele, Oxford Brookes and Middlesex are the top five universities for social work according to the Guardian, but Bath, Lancaster, York, Keele and Sussex are the top 5 from the Complete University Guide. This goes to show that (in my opinion) league tables don't count for that much. Besides, as social work degrees are all regulated by the General Social Care Council, most employers don't tend to be too impressed by where you study or what your grades are; they're just interested in your experiences on placement and whether you're qualified and registered.

I would suggest, therefore, that you work out what university is best for you to study social work. Is there any area of the country you really want to live in or really don't want to live in? Do you want to live at home or move out? What are placement opportunities like at particular universities - do they offer a guaranteed statutory placement? do they have a good record of getting students' placements started on time? will they offer a placement in your field of interest in the final year? What modules are available - do you have any optional modules to pick from? are there any particularly renowned lecturers? can you opt to specialise in children and families social work or adults social work, or will all of your training be generic? What do past and present students think about the course - how it's assessed, how much support is given, the placements they've had? Ask these questions on here (make sure you thread search first; someone may have asked before you and someone may have already responded!) and look at the forums on the Community Care website.

At the end of the day you have to be happy at a university for three years whilst studying an intense and stressful course.

Hope that helps!

Jen

Reply 27

L2307

Its also good to be able to draw from your own experiences too! I've applied at Leeds Met, Hull, York, Huddersfield and Leeds uni.
I've got my huddersfield uni interview tomorrow! and ive got one at Leeds Met and Hull too.
Good Luck to everyone who's applied :smile:

Reply 28

anisajazz

hy everyone im in my first year at bradford college which is with leeds met.iv also found it challenging.and couldnt believe how much work i had to do.iv just done 2 presentations and 5 essays in 2month.the work load was a shock.but all unis are diiferent with that.id just like to say 'if you want someone thing bad enough you need to work hard for it'when i applied last year i didnt have any a levels,i apply only with an nvq3 in childcare.i was told by many uni's that it will be hard to be accepted with nvq3 and i knew this would be a challenge.i applied at huddersfeild,bradford college ,brad uni,leeds and york.i only got 1 interview this is becaouse of the minimun access level.so i only had 1 change and it was the hardest as there was only 30 spaces.i made sure i was well prepared and i had done all the reseach possible.and thank god i got in.so it just goes to show when you work hard for things in life you will get what you want-i hope that was helpful-good luck

Reply 29

L2307

Hi,
I hope this helps anyone who is apply for 2012
I've applied for social work entry 2012, and i've applied at Leeds Met, Leeds Uni, Huddersfield, York Uni and Hull!

I've had an interview at Huddersfield, and ive got interviews at Hull, York and Leeds Met (haven't heard from Leeds uni yet)

My interview at Huddersfield went better than expected, i had a grouped interview, individual interview and a test.

The grouped interview was to do with The skills a social worker requires they were testing our ability to communicate effectively, listen, dont over talk or overlap anyone who was talking etc. Also just to point out the staff really do help you and encourage you to talk, so they want you to do your very best.

The individual interview had 3 or 4 main questions, "why i want to be a social worker", "skills and ethics of a social worker", "own experience" and then they ask a question regards a service user and a situation and what you would do. Again they would help if you were a little stuck.

The test was a case study and had 3 simple questions with it, asking you to comment on what was going on (there wasnt any right or wrong answers to it just as long as you backed up your point).

Hope this helps anyone with upcoming interviews
Good luck :smile:

Reply 30

Sammi3

Hey people!

Anyone had any interviews, offers or replies yet?

I just got a reply today in the post telling me to write a 1000 word essay based on a case study, I have only been given 14days in which to complete this. I am so confused on what to write and include?! I know things which I can write but I have no idea how to start it off. Any advice would be appreciated! This will determine whether I am interviewed or not! :confused:

Sam

Reply 31

~ Purple Rose ~

PS Reviewer

Original post by Sammi3

Sam

When I had a social work interview we had to discuss a case study and make notes on it. They will want to see how you would deal with a particular situation, what other professionals may need to be involved etc. Have a look at any books you have regarding law, for example, and www.communitycare.co.uk is good for current issues that may be relevant. Also, remember to be reflective because that is a key quality of social workers.

Reply 32

L2307

Has anyone heard anything from Leeds University? Ive got interviews at my other 4 chosen Uni's, but havent heard anything from Leeds, not even a confirmation email when i sent them my application "/

Reply 33

JP87

Hi all!
I had interviews at Leeds uni and portsmouth uni.
I heard back from Leeds 2 days after my interview with an acceptance but Portsmouth took over a month to reply. Wasn't too impressed with Portsmouth as a uni nor with how I was spoken to in the interview so not too bothered about being rejected.
Leeds told me I could be waiting until march to hear though!

Good luck to everyone!
Jx

Reply 34

L2307

Im just waiting to hear from Leeds university. I got an offer today from Huddersfield :biggrin:

and ive got interviews at Leeds Met and York and im waiting for Hull to get back to me!

Good luck everyone!

Reply 35

maggimay

MMU - Interview
LMU - Interview
Hull - Waiting following interview
Sheffield Hallam - Interview
Huddersfield - Acknowlegement
Bradford - Acknowledgement

Good luck to everyone who applied for the 2012 MA Social Work.

Reply 36

maggimay

Congratulations L2307 on the offer from Huddersfield.

Reply 37

dan_oufc

Quick question, I've applied for Social Work and sent my application off a week before Xmas. Has anyone had straight offers (conditional or unconditional) without being invited to interview? I'm just curious because I already have my grades/requirements for the course.

Reply 38

L2307

Original post by dan_oufc

Its not often you'll find a social work course that doesnt require an interview, it is a requirement set my the general social care council that all applicants must be interview to check their suitability because social work is physically and emotionally demanding.

Were have you applied? :smile:

Reply 39

~ Purple Rose ~

PS Reviewer

Original post by dan_oufc

It doesn't matter if you already have the grades, with social work they need to meet you to see what you are like in person. There are criteria set out by the GSCC and the universities have to be confident that you are the right sort of person to be a social worker, and are ready to start training.