Student Social Workers

New Member **Offline** Joined: 14 Oct 2009 Posts: 4

Hello,

I want to apply to do a Masters in Social Work. The entry requirements for the course include 6 to 12 months related work experience. I'm wondering whether I'd already have enough experience to apply this December (for 2010 start) or if it would be best wait another year. If I outline what I've done could someone give me their opinion?

I graduated this summer (in a non social-work related subject). Prior to graduation I'd gained a couple of years of teaching experience, paid and voluntary. I'd also done a four-week voluntary placement in a homeless shelter, and a residential centre for people with HIV. Since graduating I've been trying to get some more social-work related experience. I'm currently working part-time as a tutor with children. However, I've also just got a second part-time job as a support worker with children and young people with disabilities. I’ve also been doing voluntary work since September with a charity that provides education and training opportunities to people recovering from substance abuse (I'm a classroom assistant).

I know that teaching work is a related field, and involves some similar skills, but I’m worried that if I apply this year I won’t yet have done enough in more directly-related roles (the start-date for the support worker job probably won’t be until November time).

Can anyone offer any advice?

Thank you!

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:28 pm

Hey!

Welcome to the forum, it sounds like you have plenty of experience. And you still have the chance to get plenty more in by the time you are ready to start the course in 2010. How many uni's will you be applying to?

Cass x

New Member **Offline** Joined: 14 Oct 2009 Posts: 4

Hi Cass!

Sorry I've been so long in replying. Thanks for your post!

I think I'm going to apply to two or three Scottish unis. I was just a bit concerned because the course requirements mention having 6 to 12 months experience before applying. I guess it would just depend on whether the teaching work would count alongside the other, more directly-related, experience I have. Anyway, I'll never know if I don't apply!