Student Social Workers

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

Hi everyone,

I've been looking at various uni websites for entry requirements into their postgrad courses. It seems like uni's vary in terms of how much experience they require etc. Then I came across this on the website of the University of Bedfordshire:

"All successful applicants must submit a practice reference from a social care employer (paid or voluntary and within the last two years) who can verify that they have met the Department of Health requirement, "Ensure that all students undergo assessed preparation for direct practice to ensure their safety to undertake practice learning in a service delivery setting.

This preparation must include the opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the experience of service users and the opportunity to shadow an experienced social worker” (Department of Health, 2002).

All applications for the MSc Social Work programme will be assessed through a formal selection procedure in accordance with these requirements."

I have never seen this anywhere else! I knew I needed a reference, and had to have experience etc. But no other website yet has said that it is obligatory the reference is from a social care employer, and that my previous employment must have given me the chance to shadow a qualified social worker.

Is anyone else aware of these requirements? Or have I misunderstood something somewhere?

Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:17 pm

Hi

I knew for the MA you needed to have relevant work experience, which is just like the BA. But i guess every uni is slightly different in there entry requirements.

I understand that when you get on the course and start placement you will have to shadow a qualified social worker but this is the first ive heard about you doing this before you actually get on the course.

Best thing i can suggest is to call the admissions team and find out exactly what there requirements are.

Cass x

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

Thank you Cass!

Good advice. I guess I was just a bit worried in case I'd stumbled upon some kind of requirement I didn't know about. But if none of the other websites mention it, perhaps it's just for that course. I'll see.

Jo.

Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 4:26 pm

Hey Jo!

Let me know how it goes, i would be interested in what they have to say!

Cass x

VIP **Offline** Joined: 28 Apr 2007 Posts: 199

All student social workers need to shadow a qualified social worker and be assessed as fit for practice before starting placement, but it looks like this uni is expecting it before you start the course! At my uni we had a 60-page prep for practice workbook (lots of little questions and scenarios) and a day's shadowing with 200 word reflection to do, but this was in semester 1 before placement in semester 2.

good luck!