Is it important to study social work course from a Rusell Group University?

Hi fellow students/social workers: Happy Wednesday . I hope that you all are well.

I have a number of questions of would be grateful for your guidance and wisdom. I have applied to the MA/MSc in Social Work and have been lucky enough to receive interview and offers from multiple programs. However, I am now stuck and need some help!

1. How important is the ranking of the school in terms of future job prospects/opportunities? Am I better off attending a Russell Group University—would it open more doors or does it not matter?

2. How important is it to attend a program in a city that you’d like to work in? Are students able to get jobs in different cities to where they studied? Or even abroad?

3. How did you decide which MA/MSc Social Work program to attend? What are the most important areas to consider?

Finally, I’m looking to hear directly from past/present students who studied/are currently studying at the programs below. I’d LOVE to hear student perspectives: what was it actually like, on the ground, at a student at this University? What were the best parts? The worst parts? The areas you would change? Did you have meaningful placements? Were you supported? How was your overall experience and what advice would you give to incoming students? Are there any programs I should avoid? How supportive were lecturers? Did you find a job after graduation? I would LOVE to connect over DM or chat in the comments!

Please feel free to comment below or meaaage me directly. Thanking you ALL in advance!

Reply 1

Kingston PG Reps

Official Rep

Hi @Siddhi-17,

I'm in my final year studying MSW social work at Kingston University. From my personal experience, your job prospects will not be affected whether you attend a Russel Group University.

Regardless of which university you attend, Social Work England requires students to complete 70 days in their first year of placement and 100 days of placements to be qualified and registered as a social worker.

The experience you learn in academic settings such as theories and practical experience from placements is valued by all employers whether you decide to work with a local authority or voluntary sector.

The MSW programme allows you to practice social work in international countries, for example, Denmark and America which requires you to hold a master's in social work.

You don't necessarily have to study at a place where you would like to work in but you may do if you feel comfortable doing so. Kingston University has a partnership with the local authorities as well as voluntary sectors in surrounding areas which offer placements to students. In addition for students who know which area they would like to specialise in some of the partnerships local authorities offer internships.

You can find more information about the MSW program here https://www.kingston.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/social-work-msw/.

When I was applying to study I checked the cost of living in the area, reviews of the university and the fees. Luckily Kingston University offered me a bursary based on how well I did in the interview and written assessment.

I found my personal tutor supportive and as a result, I have excelled in all my academic assessments. I have been lucky to have both my placements in local authority settings and have learned a wide range of social work skills which I am still developing.

The negative I would say is that if you are preparing to be a full-time MSW student you won't have a lot of time to work, however, you can do jobs within your university that give flexibility. Also due to the way the programme is run, you won't get a summer break in your first year because you will be on placement.

I hope you find this information helpful and good luck in your social work journey!

From
~May
Kingston University Postgraduate Representative