Social Work and Social Care. University of Plymouth Health & Social Work

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1 Social Work and Social Care University of Plymouth Health & Social Work

2 Contents 3 Welcome 4 Which Course? 5 Social Work and Social Care at Plymouth 6 BSc (Hons) Social Work 8 MA Social Work 10 Practice Learning The invaluable opportunity to learn from practical experience in real social work and social care environments. 14 BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Studies 16 Related Subjects 18 How to apply/entry Requirements 21 Our Locations 22 Funding 24 Career Opportunities 26 Continuing Professional Development and Research 12 Service User Involvement The benefits of involving service users in the development of social workers. This publication went to print in May 2008 which may be more than two years before the start of your course. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. However, as our courses and services are regularly reviewed and updated, some details may change. If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact the Admissions Team: Tel: +44 (0) hsw@plymouth.ac.uk The university is committed to the promotion of equality and diversity, our policies are available on the website.

3 Welcome to the Faculty of Health & Social Work at the University of Plymouth. I am delighted that you have enquired about our social work and social care courses. I hope this booklet will enable you to get a feel for our commitment to improving service and provision within social work and social care, not just locally but nationally and internationally as well. We do this through our research, our continuing professional development programmes and by developing dynamic and effective social work and social care professionals that share this commitment. There are a few key facts about the University that you may be interested in: We are rated the UK's Top Modern University in the Guardian League Tables published in 2007 We have recently invested well over 100 million in developing state of the art facilities and accommodation We have received Government awards of more than 18.5 million for nine National Teaching Fellowships and four Centres for Excellence for Teaching and Learning more than any other UK university has achieved One of the University Centres of Excellence has been awarded to the Faculty and reflects our position as a national leader in Placement Learning in Health and Social Care a critical element of your learning experience. Welcome to the Faculty As the largest provider of health and social work education in the South West we, at any one time, have around 3,000 students on courses that can lead to professional registration; this enables us to create a modern, innovative and inter-professional environment that is critical in ensuring you will be trained to meet the present and future workforce needs of the social work and social care sectors. However, it s not all about your course; by studying in the South West you can also enjoy the quality of life afforded by our fantastic locations. Plymouth itself is a vibrant student city and whether you are based in Plymouth or Cornwall you will have unique access to a range of other outstanding environments; from Plymouth's dramatic Hoe, to an array of popular beach and sailing locations through to the rugged beauty of Dartmoor or our coastal paths. The region really does have something to offer every lifestyle. I hope that you find this booklet useful and that you are able to visit a university Open Day. It is the best way to get a feel for our excellent facilities and passion for social work and social care education. On behalf of all our staff I would like to wish you success in your current studies and will look forward to welcoming you in the future. Professor John Clibbens Dean of Faculty University of Plymouth 3

4 When picking up this booklet for the first time you may or may not have a specific profession or course that you are interested in. However, we find that those interested in our courses in social work and social care have a common desire to improve the lives of others and gain a real sense of value from their studies and work. The courses within this book will certainly allow you to do this. We have grouped these courses together as there are many elements which are similar; indeed sometimes the things you think you will get out of one course can be more readily achieved within another. With time in higher education such a significant investment for our students it is important for us that you select the most appropriate route to match your particular interests and skills. Which course? For many of enquirers our social work courses are often the first courses people focus upon. With our reputation for excellent and innovative teaching and learning, good employment rates and generous financial support during your studies it is not surprising. However, we always recommend that you consider the opportunities provided by our Health & Social Care Studies and Mental Health courses as well. These courses are also extremely popular with their students and employers; with a proven track record of providing graduates with the skills required to make a huge difference within many diverse and rewarding sectors of health and social care. It is on this basis that we encourage you to read information about all the courses and perhaps look at some of our other course brochures the details of which are listed on the back of this booklet. Come and visit us... We would encourage anyone considering entering higher education to visit us at a University Open Day. This is often the best way to get a feel for the fantastic opportunities available. During the day you will be able to attend presentations on a range of courses, see our fantastic facilities and beautiful locations. Most importantly you will be able to speak to current students and academics to find out which course will really provide what you are looking for. Visit for more information 4 University of Plymouth

5 Social Work and Social Care at Plymouth The University of Plymouth was one of the first institutions selected to deliver the BSc (Hons) Social Work as the new nationally recognised qualification, from the General Social Care Council, for people wishing to become Social Workers. As we also offer an internationally renowned MA in Social Work and a BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care Studies degree, the University of Plymouth is placed firmly at the heart of Social Work and Social Care education for the South West region. A Practice Learning Manager from the university, a social worker from Plymouth City Council and a student who is a volunteer with the Plymouth Race Equality Council beside the Exeter Global Centre stand during a Celebrating Global Social Work event supported by the University Social Work and Social Care courses at the University of Plymouth are about much more than what happens in the classroom. Our provision is integrated into the community across the South West through service user and carer participation, through practice learning - our BSc (Hons) Social Work students work on many different community projects - and through our close and positive links to providers of social care; including statutory, private and voluntary organisations. This innovative position ensures our students are able, from an early stage, to provide real benefits to the wider community. They will also learn from these experiences to develop into individuals that have the high level of skills and experience that are highly sought after by employers. As well as an introduction to each course we have provided sections on service user involvement and practice learning to give you an insight into the fabric of our courses. Further reflecting our proactive approach we are at the forefront of developments, again in partnership with the social work and care community, to meet commitments to continuing professional development as required by Social Work registration. The Faculty also has a strong Social Work research profile; we were recognised as providing a combination of international and national quality research in Social Policy and Social Work during the last Research Assessment Exercise. Visit the section on these activities on pages 26/27 for more detail. University of Plymouth 5

6 BSc (Hons) Social Work Course Code UCAS L501 Duration 3 years full time Location Plymouth or Cornwall Social Work was rated fifth in its subject area out of all Universities in the UK (Guardian 2006) There is an exceptionally high employment rate for graduates Social Work Bursary to assist students financially Degree offered in Plymouth and Cornwall UCAS L501 BSc (Hons) Social Work If you want to choose a degree, and a career, where you will face many challenges but know that you will make a positive impact in people s lives then the BSc (Hons) in Social Work could be for you. The BSc (Hons) Social Work is a modern qualification recognised by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) and is the minimum qualification requirement for those wishing to become social workers. Offered in partnership with local agencies, service users and carers, this degree prepares you for employment as a professional social worker in our diverse society. You will be prepared for working with children and families, young people, older adults and those with health, disability and mental health issues. There are opportunities to work with people seeking asylum and with leave to remain. The degree in Social Work has been specifically designed to facilitate flexibility. The course has a balance of academic and practice learning giving students both the knowledge and experience that will prove invaluable in their future career. After being at the forefront of Podcasts of lectures Social Work are planning to trial the opportunities offered by 'Second Life virtual environments. It is planned that linked to his lectures Stuart Williams, Pre Qualifying Social Work Programmes Manager, will in the form of an Avatar (a computer generated persona) run a interactive help desk, in a Second Life setting. This will allow students to ask questions and hold discussions relating to the material delivered. A virtual seminar room is also being developed for students to hold interactive workshops or group work sessions. Such innovation helps improve access to information for all our students and clearly reflects our innovative approach to teaching and learning. 6 University of Plymouth

7 The BSc (Hons) Social Work is offered within Plymouth and Cornwall. Regardless of which base you choose the content and structure of the course are designed to provide the same level and quality of education. With its innovative course structure, which sees academic delivery confined to one full day per week in years two and three. In the first year teaching is spread across two days to give students a chance to adjust to the demands of university study. This structure aims to allow students throughout the South West peninsula who do not live within the immediate vicinity of either location to study the course without needing to relocate. This structure also offers individuals the flexibility of time essential as we try to make the course as accessible as possible. Students will have self directed learning and work with their peers outside of taught time this means the workload is very much full time. However, the flexibility provided allows students to maintain valuable experience in voluntary work or organise study around family commitments. Whilst the course has a demanding work load this flexibility is greatly appreciated by our students. For more information on our locations visit page 21 Year 1 Study the legal and organisational context of social work and develop your social sciences knowledge. Develop your learning, computing and research skills needed for subsequent studies. Get involved in community development and providing social care to refine your helping skills. Year 2 Study the core values, knowledge and skills required for Social Work practice. Practice learning continues with another supervised placement in a social work service delivery setting. Year two focuses on social research skills, the application of law and social work methods, models, theory and practice. Year 3 Examine social work theories and the interprofessional and interagency working necessary in social work. The practice learning placement is assessed to ensure high levels of competence and safety. Complete a project based on social work theory and practice University of Plymouth 7

8 MA Social Work UCAS Code L508 Delivery 2 years full time Location Plymouth UCAS L508 MA Social Work A dynamic, innovative and challenging programme for graduates who want to obtain a professional qualification in Social Work and at the same time develop their academic profile. The MA Social Work programme is a professional qualification - graduates will be eligible to register as social workers with the General Social Care Council (GSCC). It is a fulltime programme, lasting nearly two years, during which students will divide their time equally between academic study and practice learning. Whilst teaching is normally arranged to take place on 2 days each week, the rest of the time is used for directed academic study. The academic requirements are such that students are not able to maintain full time employment. The aim of the programme is to enable students to develop the knowledge and skills required to become confident and competent, reflective and analytical professional social workers. 8 University of Plymouth

9 Qualification leads to registration as a Social Worker; providing excellent employment prospects. Funding opportunities available through the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) or securing sponsorship. Practice learning opportunities in both the statutory and voluntary sectors throughout the far South West region. The programme, based on up-to-date research and current practice, has been devised to provide a highly integrated theoretical and practical training experience. Whilst rooted in theoretical inquiries, a high percentage of the training is experiential in nature, with an emphasis on professional practice development. Students may undertake the programme independently, with financial support from a nationally provided bursary scheme, or be supported by an employer. The programme structure enables employer-supported students to undertake practice learning in their employing agency for approximately half of the programmes duration. Year 1 Sept to April Academic Study: Ethics and Values Psychosocial Issues Law and Social Policy Research in Practice Approaches to Practice April to June Practice Placement Year 2 Sept/Oct Academic Study: Professional Practice Issues Dissertation Formulation Nov to June Practice Placement Dissertation Research June/July Dissertation Completion University of Plymouth 9

10 Centre for Practice Learning (CPL) The aim of the CPL is to promote a work-based learning culture across social work and social care agencies in the far South West and to ensure quality of teaching and assessment in practice for social work. Students are well supported in practice by professional staff with additional qualifications (Practice Teaching Award, now replaced by the Intergrated Masters Programme - Professional Practice Learning Pathway. See page 27). Practice Learning Managers support the BSc students to identify their strengths and learning needs and develop an individual learning plan and then match them with practice learning opportunities in the statutory, voluntary, independent and private sectors across the South West Peninsula. The Centre has close links with CEPPL and CFS (see page 17), and promotes a global perspective on Social Work. Practice Learning The BSc (Hons) Social Work Degree has an innovative approach to practice learning as outlined; Year 1 (40 days minimum) After their assessed preparation for practice which includes feedback from service users and carers, students have two different foundation experiences. Social Care Work Experience Students work in a non-statutory social care setting, where they become fully involved in the activities carried out by agencies alongside other workers and service users. Community Development Project Small groups of 3 to 4 students undertake an agreed piece of work which will be of benefit to a non-statutory agency and its service users. Students have worked alongside a youth group to build a meeting place, others have coordinated an International Women's Day event. Years 2 & 3 (80 days minimum each year) Students complete a minimum of 80 days assessed practice learning in statutory and/or non-statutory settings under supervision. They are given more autonomy and complex tasks to undertake as the level of skills and experience develop. By the end of stage 3 students will have completed a minimum of 200 days practice learning; with experience in at least two different settings, having provided services to at least two service user groups and been involved in statatory interventions. They will be critical, reflective practitioners ready to support people and communities to make the most of their resources. 10 University of Plymouth

11 In addition to the very rewarding work supporting individuals and groups within the South West we also support students who travel further a field to experience the impact of social work in very different circumstances. In recent years social work students on the Degree and the MA have travelled to Eastern Europe to provide valuable support as communities rebuild following dramatic political, economic and social upheaval. These innovative opportunities very much reflect the dynamic nature of the Social Work courses as we strive to provide unique opportunities for our social work students. As well as broadening your perspectives as a social worker these opportunities will provide great skills and experience for you to draw upon when seeking future employment and/or working in practice. Practice Learning on the MA Placement opportunities will be provided in agencies in both the statutory and voluntary sectors throughout the far South West region. Several local authorities arrange placements for the programme (Devon, Somerset, Plymouth, Torbay and Cornwall), together with a wide range of voluntary sector agencies, including Rethink, The Richmond Fellowship, NCH, Age Concern, Families for Children, and the Exeter Housing Action Group. Whilst on placement, students will be required to work normal agency hours (i.e. full-time). Work Based Learning on Health & Social Care Studies In years two and three students have the opportunity to choose, and receive support securing, a placement experience in an area they are particularly interested in. Students often take this opportunity to link the placement to an identified career destination. These opportunities are central to the course and something which contributes to the excellent employment rates of its graduates. University of Plymouth 11

12 People who use Services and Carer Participation in the Degree Social Work as part of the community For the new degree in social work the General Social Care Council stated that service users and carers must be consulted in the planning, delivery and evaluation of the new qualification. However it was not specified how this could be achieved. Different universities approached this in different ways. From April 2003, the University of Plymouth held a series of workshops, over an 18 month period, to plan the degree with people who use services, carers, lecturers, practitioners and practice assessors. Through this process the workshops identified all the qualities students need to be a good social worker. Once the work for the new degree was complete, people who use services and carers carried on their participation by forming the Consultative Group to continue advising the programme and to maintain their contribution to students' learning. The Consultative Group belongs to people who have used services and their carers but University staff and students are invited to attend meetings in order to maintain close relationships with our courses. 12 University of Plymouth

13 Here are some comments from people who use services and carers who currently participate in the programme: I m not academic and felt very inadequate. Now I realise everyone has something to offer this group. Getting involved has increased my self-esteem. Work with the Consultative Group has generated a number of activities Selecting students for the degree course People who use services and carers talking to students about their own experiences of social work Advising students on how to make their work more sensitive to the needs of those using services and their carers Monitoring students work at the end of each year Not only do the students get something out of it, it has been a real confidence booster for myself. We are here to see that we get better social workers in the future. Everyone involved has been very positive, and enthusiastic about service user and carer participation and what they have learned from the people they have met through the programme. University of Plymouth 13

14 BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care Studies UCAS Code L512 Delivery 3 years Full Time Location Plymouth and Cornwall UCAS L512 BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care Studies A degree providing students looking to develop a rewarding career in Health and Social Care with a wide range of valuable skills that can lead to a variety of different career opportunities in the sector. The course is designed to provide you with a broader range of knowledge and experience, and consequently career opportunities, than is obtained within the more specialised social work qualifications. The course will enable you to identify care needs, understand how to establish priority and then directly organise the provision of care as well as manage resources. The aim of the Health and Social Care Studies course is to develop students to enable them to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable individuals; especially younger (aged 14-25) and older people. 14 University of Plymouth Work Based Learning The fact work based learning is central to this course is something that students find very attractive. In both years two and three you will be able to choose an area of particular interest for your placement. For many of our students this will be in an area they intend to target as a potential career destination. The placement then serves a number of roles; initially it is a dynamic and interesting way to learn key skills and reflect on your learning. However, it will also give you an insight into whether it is the right career option for you and, most importantly, gives you quality experiences that you can draw upon when applying for your first graduate role.

15 This course can be studied at Drake Circus campus, Plymouth and Cornwall College for information on our locations visit page 21 Students who have successfully completed a HND or Foundation Degree pathway available in a range of University Partner Colleges across the Peninsula can progress into the final year of this course. This will enable students, on completion of the final year, to obtain the degree qualification. Year 1 Introduction to the key concepts and theories of health and social care provision. Developing computing, communication and presentation skills required for future employment. Topics include the human life cycle, ethics and values and the legal and organisational concepts of health and social care. Year 2 Learn to evaluate social science research and analyse research findings Develop the skills needed to critically evaluate the current health and social care system. Topics include the practice and management of social care, contemporary social problems, human rights, equal opportunities and discrimination. Year 3 A focus on the importance of multi-disciplinary working. Topics include working with children and families, young people, older people and those with disabilities Undertake a comprehensive piece of research on a topic of your interest for your final year dissertation. Exciting opportunities for Work Based Learning are central to years two and three of the course. University of Plymouth 15

16 Related Subjects As well as the courses listed within this booklet the faculty offers a number of other courses that can provide the rewarding careers and working opportunities that individuals considering a career in social work and social care seek; none more so than our courses in Mental Health. Related Subjects The faculty offers two courses in Mental Health one at Diploma in Higher Education level and the BSc (Hons) Mental Health. Both of these courses are very much targeted toward preparing students to help individuals with a variety of mental health conditions and this can lead to a wide range of rewarding careers. The BSc (Hons) Mental Health has, in particular, developed a reputation for its dynamic and innovative approach to teaching and learning and has seen graduates entering many different roles; These rewarding positions, amongst many others have included working in Drug and Alcohol projects, working as Arrest Referral Officers or in Charities providing valuable support to the homeless. 16 University of Plymouth Course BSc (Hons) Mental Health Dip HE Nursing (Mental Health) Location Plymouth Taunton or Truro Both courses are supported by the NHS which can lead to tuition fees being paid in full and bursaries for the duration of the course. In the case of the Diploma the bursary is non-means tested so provides a significant contribution to your expenses. Request details of our Nursing, Mental Health and Acute Care booklet for more detail on these courses; or better still come and visit us during an Open Day. Examples of entry requirements 5 GCSE s at A-C. 200 UCAS pts with 160 from 2 A levels. Access students welcomed 5 GCSE s at A-C including English, Maths and Science Access Students Welcomed

17 Completing your placements is much more than merely clocking up the required hours for completion of the courses, it is about gaining those experiences that add to your personal and professional development. As well as giving you the opportunity to use academic theory in your practice you will be able to: build your confidence dealing with a range of different service users and colleagues for when you progress into your professional role gain experience of working within different settings that can be critical in ensuring you have a range of opportunities on graduation demonstrate your effectiveness in a work setting which can place you in a good position when applying for posts in the future With practice placements being such a critical part of your learning experience, and potentially your future career development, it is important that you know the Faculty is a recognised National Centre of Excellence in Professional Placement Learning in Health & Social Care. As a result you can be assured that your placements are well designed and integrated into your course, provide the learning outcomes that will help meet professional requirements, offer good support both within the practice team and also from academics. The aim of the Centre is to transform the University of Plymouth from an institution with some significant areas of excellence in Education and Sustainable Development (ESD) into an institution modelling university-wide excellence and, so, in the position to play an influential national role in helping higher education respond to today s sustainability imperatives. University of Plymouth 17

18 How to apply This section is intended to give you a brief outline of the entry requirements and the selection process for our courses. Qualifications other than those listed are welcomed, and more information can be obtained from the website or through ing our admissions teams. The competition to secure a place on our social work courses in particular is very strong. Meeting the academic entry requirements is just one element, you are encouraged to look at the information on page 20 about enhancing your application. Entry requirements and selection process Applications for all these courses should be made on-line via UCAS (see useful links back cover). The received forms will then be screened to ensure they meet the academic criteria outlined in the adjacent table. Having passed this stage the form is passed to the course admissions team who will assess each application. This assessment will be made using criteria of key characteristics we have found indicate someone will be successful on our course, and as a subsequent professional. A brief indication of the characteristics that will be considered is provided in enhancing your application section on page 20. Social Work Interviews For our social work courses there is a requirement by the GSCC that we interview as part of the selection process. Following assessment of applications a certain percentage of applicants will be invited for interview. Those invited will receive a pack which outlines in detail the exact nature of the interview day. The interview is also a good opportunity for you to meet members of the academic team, find out information about the course and have a look at the campus and facilities available. Health & Social Care Studies applicants would generally be offered a place without having to attend for interview. 18 University of Plymouth

19 Entry Requirements Essentials for all courses 5 GCSE subjects grade C or abovemust include English and Mathematics. Keys skills equivalent, at Level 2, accepted. Evidence of academic study within the past five years. Additional Requirements Places on our social work courses are subject to satisfactory completion of an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check. Your Preferred Degree Course BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care Studies Indication of Academic Entry Requirements - other qualifications welcomed A minimum of 200 pts which must include 160 pts from 2 A levels or equivalent. AS awards may contribute to the remaining points. BTEC New National Certificate (DM profile) or Diploma (MMP) Profile QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Course; preferably in Humanities, Social Science or Social Work. 45 Credits required at Level 3 BSc (Hons) Social Work A minimum of 200 pts which must include 160 pts from 2 A levels or equivalent. AS awards may contribute to the remaining points. BTEC New National Certificate (DM profile) or Diploma (MMP) Profile QAA recognised Access to Higher Education Course; preferably in Humanities, Social Science or Social Work. 45 Credits required at Level 3 MA Social Work Applicants are normally required to have a first degree (with at least second class honours). Please visit page 20 for additional non-academic entry requirements University of Plymouth 19

20 Enhancing your application When selecting applicants for a place on one of our Social Work and Social Care courses we are looking out for potential. However, there are many demands and challenges to be found when working within this environment and our selection processes need to reflect this. In the section below we have highlighted the skills, and insight into the social work and social care sectors, that you should aim to demonstrate within any application for these courses. In most cases these skills are best acquired from experience of working within a relevant environment. Enhancing your application Course BSc (Hons) Social Work MA Social Work Additional Requirements During the application process you will be expected to provide evidence of an understanding of the social work/social care environment. This will typically involve some formal experience of voluntary or paid work within such an environment. At least twelve months experience of working with vulnerable or disadvantaged people in a welfare capacity (either paid or unpaid) Selection criteria Some examples of elements of the criteria include: knowledge and understanding of the profession Commitment/Motivation/Enthusiasm Relevant experience Ability to be sensitive/empathetic Decision Making Communication Skills Team Working Working effectively under pressure For social work, applicants will be required to demonstrate these characteristics at interview as well as within their UCAS application. 20 University of Plymouth

21 Drake Circus Campus At the heart of Plymouth city centre the campus is a bustling centre of student life. The landscape of the campus has been transformed in recent years by the development of a series of landmark buildings. In total the University has invested well over 100 million in providing modern learning environments befitting a top university. The 5 million library extension on the Drake Circus Campus, Plymouth. The vast majority of University managed and private student accommodation is located immediately around the campus; this ensures a dynamic and strong community feeling for the diverse range of students, of all ages and sectors of society, that are attracted to Plymouth. Visit our website for videos and images of the campus and student life. Locations Cornwall Social Work students who use Cornwall as their academic base will be taught at two sites; Cornwall College Camborne and the Knowledge Spa, Truro. Both venues provide excellently developed learning environments with the balance of lecture theatres and seminar rooms required for modern learning. Both locations have ultra modern library and computing facilities essential for supporting your learning experience. The locations, as well as being convenient for students in Cornwall, provide fantastic access to a wonderful living environment that attracts so many people to the county. The Knowledge Spa, Truro, a 14 million facility opened in The 5 million Trelawney Building learning centre at Cornwall College, Camborne. BSc(Hons) Health & Social Care Studies students who study in Cornwall will be based at Cornwall College Camborne. University of Plymouth 21

22 Funding There are different funding arrangements for each course focussed upon within this booklet. This section aims to provide a brief introduction to the arrangements; the information is separated between postgraduate and undergraduate courses. Funding for the MA Social Work The postgraduate bursary is available to students ordinarily resident in England studying on an approved full-time postgraduate course. The postgraduate bursary includes an incomeassessed maintenance grant that varies in value and allowances to assist with certain costs of living. Recipients of the postgraduate bursary ordinarily will not be entitled to Local Authority funding. Financial awards are dependant on individual circumstances; you may qualify for a Disabled Students Allowance, allowances for dependents or childcare. Practice learning costs are covered within a fixed allowance within the basic grant. For more information about the levels of funding available for your personal circumstances please contact the NHS Business Services Authority using the details provided. An application pack will be provided on the website. For all enquires regarding social work funding, undergraduate and postgraduate, please use the following contact details: NHS Business Services Authority swb@ppa.nhs.uk University of Plymouth

23 Funding for BSc (Hons) Social Work and Health & Social Care Studies There is a range of financial support available on these courses; these are listed below. However, for both courses you should be aware that it is a requirement that you pay tuition fees. Tuition Fees and General Support Students studying on our BSc (Hons) Social Work and Health & Social Care Studies will be required to pay tuition fees; the cost for 2008 is 3145 per annum. Whilst it may be that you are eligible to receive a bursary from the university, or the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), you will still be required to pay this amount. There is a means tested package of support available in the form of tuition fees loans, maintenance grants (including supplementary grants for those with dependents) and student loans that you may be eligible, and choose to apply, for. Applications for this funding will generally be through your Local Education Authority (LEA) in the area you are living at the time of your application. Additional Financial Support BSc (Hons) Social Work Bursary Students who study on this degree are able to apply for additional funding from the NHSBSA. The bursary, worth up to 4575 for 2007/8, is a significant contribution to your expenses as a student and can be used as you choose. Some of our students will still apply for tuition support and student loans when managing their finances. Other students prefer to use the bursary to pay for their tuiton fees. Applications for this bursary should be made direct to the NHSBSA via their website. Additional Funding The University of Plymouth provides a range of finance initiatives to ease access into higher education. In some cases we offer bursaries that can be used to offset the tuition fees that you will be required to pay. The arrangements for 2009 entry are being reviewed to ensure they support our students in the most effective manner possible. For updated information please visit There are also mechanisms available to support students who run into financial difficulties during their studies which may threaten their ability to continue sudying. Every case is assessed individually but additional grants and loans are potentially available. University of Plymouth 23

24 Career Opportunities Whichever social work and social care course you complete you wont be short of diverse, challenging but ultimately rewarding posts on graduation. In this section we have provided a brief description of just some of the possibilities. Social Work Social Work Careers Social Work graduates from the University of Plymouth have enviable rates of employment on graduation. The vast majority of students have already secured employment within a professional role before they complete the course; such is the demand for our graduates. At present long term forecasts are that employment opportunities will continue to grow. Whilst the majority of our students will initially secure roles within local statutory organisations, graduates have secured posts within private organisations or charities. Graduates have followed careers in a variety of professional social work settings; working with children and families in child protection, fostering and adoption, youth justice; working with adults in the areas of mental health, disability, working with offenders and the older adult. You may also gain employment with women and family refuges, in drug and alcohol services and for agencies that work with the homeless. It is envisaged that many graduates from both the MA and the BSc (Hons) will develop into high level managers within the sector. In addition, MA students will also continue into our PhD programme. Recent trends have clearly demonstrated that the nature of the social work profession and the social care sector is evolving and as such employment will continue to extend into a wider range of employing organisations - including charities and/or community projects - thus extending the potential destinations for career development. 24 University of Plymouth

25 Opportunities for sponsorship Opportunities exist for sponsorship on our Social Work courses. For some students who secure a place on the BSc (Hons) or the MA Social Work local statutory agencies will offer sponsored contracts. Applicants who are interested in these opportunities are encouraged to approach local social services departments to discuss any opportunities that are being offered. Typically, students who secure sponsorship would have their tuition fees paid and receive a salary for the duration of the course. They would also be provided with a contract which includes post graduation employment with the sponsoring organisation. This initiative provides excellent opportunities and security for students; it also clearly reflects the high esteem the graduates from both courses are held in with the principle employers of social workers within the region. The diversity of professional roles and settings provide considerable potential for seeking out fresh challenges; a characteristic that many social workers highlight as an attraction of the profession. Whilst working within social work undoubtedly provides many challenges it also provides diverse opportunity, security of employment and a knowledge that you will be in a position to help individuals and communities. For some social work career profiles visit socialwork/what/meet.asp Health and Social Care Studies The health and social care sector is the largest employer in the country. This course is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of potential employment opportunities and careers on graduation. The course is often attractive to students who want to work with younger (aged 14-25) or older people. In roles working with younger people opportunities exists in advice and guidance, community projects such as sexual health or drugs and alcohol or perhaps working in initiatives to address anti-social behaviour. Careers working with older people could involve residential care, respite care, community work and centres or a number of charities. Other opportunities could exist in Criminal Justice and the management of health & social care provision. Potential employers include the NHS, MIND, Age concern, Shelter and Connexions. It is the wealth of potential opportunities, and the knowledge that you will have the chance of making a positive contribution to the lives of individuals or communities, that has seen this course become increasingly attractive to students. University of Plymouth 25

26 Continuing Professional Development The School of Applied Psychosocial Studies It s not just about qualification the Faculty is geared to provide educational opportunities throughout your career... The School of Applied Psychosocial Studies is looking to increase its range of post qualifying awards in social work following the University's recognition by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) as an institution able to provide the new framework of post qualifying awards consisting of specialist, higher specialist and advanced levels. The first stage in this development was the approval in 2007 by the GSCC at Higher Specialist Level of our PGCert/PGDip/MA: Education (Professional Practice Learning) pathway which is a collaboration between the School of Applied Psychosocial Studies and the Integrated Masters Programme, part of the Faculty of Education. This pathway has been developed to support a range of professionals who support and/or assess adult learners in professional practice settings, such as social workers, health professionals, clinical psychologists, probation officers, teachers etc. At Post Graduate(PG) Certificate Level two taught modules are undertaken. Completion of two further modules leads to the PG Diploma (accredited at GSCC Higher Specialist level). Then completion of a dissertation will lead to the MA: Education (Professional Practice Learning). We have recently applied to the GSCC to have the dissertation (Masters) stage accredited at Advanced level thereby offering a clear postgraduate pathway to an MA: Education/GSCC Advanced Award for those involved in practice education. 26 University of Plymouth

27 Research Social Work has a strong and thriving presence at the University of Plymouth. In the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, the University was awarded a '4' grading from the Social Policy and Social Work Panel, indicating a combination of international and national quality research. Social Work Research is housed primarily in two groups: The Parenting, Child Development and Welfare Group interested in the relationship between social interventions, parenting and child well being, particularly the interconnections between women and their children. The Social Exclusion, Diversity and Disadvantage Research Group focuses on the social processes generating and maintaining social exclusion and interventions promoting inclusion. The next stage of the development is to look at programmes leading to 'higher specialist' and 'advanced' awards which promote management, leadership and higher levels of critical skills through collaboration and interprofessional learning. All programmes in the framework will be designed in partnership with employers, users and carers to meet individual and workforce development needs in social work and social care. These developments will build on the successful range of postgraduate and masters level programmes already offered by the university and undertaken by individuals from health, social work and social care backgrounds through the Faculty of Health and Social Work, the Graduate School and the Intergrated Masters Programme (through the Faculty of Education). The university also offer BSc( Hons) Professional Studies (Child Care) which is accredited at Specialist Level by the GSCC. Other awards and short courses on offer are the Managing Learners in Practice (20 credits at Level 3), Multi-disciplinary and multi-agency working [20 credits at Masters level] and Managing Practice [20 credits at masters level]. We are currently looking at integrating modules within masters level awards to facilitate participation in postgraduate education. University of Plymouth 27

28 Useful Contacts Accommodation Office +44 (0) Routes to Higher Education Enquiry Service +44 (0) Open Day Registration +44 (0) General Social Care Council +44 (0) NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) +44 (0) UCAS 44 (0) enquiries@ucas.ac.uk Social Work and Social Care We also have brochures in: Nursing, Mental Health & Acute Care Midwifery Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Podiatry Dietetics Paramedic Practitioner (Community Emergency Health). Health & Social Work, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA Tel: +44 (0) hsw@plymouth.ac.uk