Hi,
So a little quick background about me.
I went to Uni at 18 and decided to do a Journalism degree because it sounded 'fun', I know, bad reason - the life lesson has been learned. I came out of Uni with a 2:2 having little to no interest in Journalism in the slightest and found myself working as a Designer in the IT industry. 4 years on I am ready to pull my hair out, I cannot stand working in IT.
However, the only thing that ever interested me, I always said if I could go back and start again I'd do this, is Social Work. I have previous experience as a Carer with the Elderly who have Alzheimer's and Dementia and I always found fulfilment from helping others, I feel like Social Work is that calling in life you get.
I've done countless amounts of research into the job role, how to become a Social Worker and have decided that going back to Uni, at 27 (grim), will be the most viable option. However, every University I have looked at require a 2:1 Honours degree to be eligible for a Master's course to the point where it's just making me think will I ever be able to full fill this career change.
From my research there are government schemes available but the next Cohort is in 2018, applications are being taken in Spring 2017, and by that time I could be halfway through a Master's, which I have read will help you reaching more senior positions in the future.
I'm just wondering if anyone else has been blocked by this 2:1 requirement? I've spoken to each University I'm interested in and just keep getting told "We only look at 2:1s, 2:2s will be thought of dependant on experience", which I have, but it was a job throughout the Summer / Winter months during University, and thus my IT career swept me in another direction.
I find that if you reach the point of wanting to change your career to make a difference in a job like Social Work, you're in for a tough ride to even get accepted onto a course when you have that drive / willingness.