School of Applied Social Science Degree courses and applications: Social Work

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1 School of Applied Social Science Degree courses and applications: Social Work University of Brighton Cath Holmström, Principal Lecturer, Head of Social Work and Social Policy.

2 Why social work what might applicants focus upon? Privilege of working closely with some of the most disadvantaged members of society, usually at a time of vulnerability Varied profession Commitment to social justice and improving life-chances Career based upon communication and relationship forming Degree of professional autonomy and decision making Working in an inter-professional context Interest in human relationships and development Preferably more than simply liking people/children!

3 Social Work courses we run: BSc and MSc Suite of Continued Professional Development (CPD) modules and courses that can lead to Masters degrees such as Advanced Social Work Practice, see: Particular CPD/post-qualifying expertise in Practice Education and adult mental health/safeguarding/using complex law in practice and professional decision making For those unsure or unsuccessful in social work application this time around, why not consider our exciting new social policy and practice degree and social work afterwards at post-grad level? Kepa will cover this in more detail.

4 What our social work degree looks like What will students learn? See: for full course structure. The first year is largely university based, preparing you for first placement. They learn theories (human development and social work intervention), law and policy and develop skills needed for effective practice. The second year and final year include professional practice placements of 70 and 100 days respectively. Students also continue to develop academic knowledge and skills and develop a research capacity too.

5 /continued How will students learn? Teaching strategies combine traditional lectures and seminars with interactive workshops and role plays. students will learn from tutors, practitioners and service users who are involved in the academic elements of the degree as well as practice. On placement they will learn from observing, co-working and then taking responsibility for their own social work practice, supervised by an experienced practitioner. Throughout their studies students will have good tutorial support and guidance, and will receive careers advice too.

6 /continues How will students be assessed? Students will write essays, responses to case studies, complete workbooks and a final year project, and will carry out a variety of presentations. There is currently only one examination, which is a take home paper. Their practice will be assessed via direct observations of their work, their written work and feedback from other professionals and service users/carers.

7 Professional regulation Regulatory body in England: HCPC Maintains register of professionals. Social Work is a title that only registered professionals can use. They assess applications of graduates from approved courses to join the register. Please see criteria HCPC use as these inform our admissions decisions, although an offer of a place on any course does not bring an automatic right of registration upon graduation: HCPC inspect and approve courses and only approved courses are able to train social workers Our course is approved in full and is listed on HCPC list of approved social work courses. Approved courses must work to the cross-profession Standards of Education and Training (SETS) and enable graduates to meet profession-specific Standards of Proficiency (SOPS):

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9 Professional Body: The College of Social Work until July 2015 Sets good practice standards and provides sector guidance that HCPC expect to be followed. Is the home for the Professional Capability Framework (PCF) a career-spanning framework across 9 domains. The PCF is one of the standards against which social work students and applicants are assessed. Specific expectations for entry level can be found at: elcapabilities.pdf with further general information and an interactive tool at: Now????

10 Specific entry requirements For full range of academic requirements, please see: Standard offer for Access students is: Pass on Access with 45 credits at level 3. Of those 45 level 3 credits, at least 30 credits need to be at merit or distinction. We also need to see evidence of level 3 writing, reading and study skills. Plus additional reference (character/personal and professional suitability) Self declaration form regarding suitability/fitness for professional training Experience wide variety of experience is acceptable. Needs to be enough to enable you to assess your suitability and show motivation for social work.

11 Implications of current regulatory landscape for admissions Focus upon quality Rigorous assessment of applicants pre-offer Focus upon preparation and motivation Importance of self-awareness Academic/intellectual ability References Specific entry requirements include high grades in prior studies (A level is ABB standard offer, Access is currently 30 of the 45 L3 credits must be at M or D level, BTEC DDM); some relevant experience the quantity is less important than the learning from it; key is awareness of what social work is/not; personal qualities and motivation.

12 How we assess SW applicants UCAS form especially the personal statement and reference; Interview not all are invited, but successful interview is a requirement. Interviews are with tutors and practitioner/service user or carer Group task completed on interview day Written task/test Applicants are assessed against published criteria, including HCPC and professional body standards

13 Personal Statements: Key Points for students address Why are you applying? Why social work? You need show that you have some understanding of the profession. What your ambitions are when you finish your course if you know. What makes you suitable? Skills, knowledge, achievements, values and experience that relate to social work and will help you succeed. These could come from education, employment or work experience, or from hobbies, interests and social activities Which of your skills and experience are most relevant? Check the course listings to see what level of understanding you need to have and what qualifications or skills they are looking for.

14 Personal Statements: How to write it Remember it's the same personal statement for all courses you apply to so avoid mentioning universities or colleges by name, and ideally choose the same subject. For social work, the course is tough we need to see you are aware of this and are fully committed so not social work or midwifery.. etc.

15 Preparing for interview day tasks: advice for students Think about likely interview questions Identify your motivation carefully Look at the HCPC, professional association (e.g. BASW) and university websites regarding entry criteria how can you evidence these Read your personal statement and be prepared to follow up statements you have made Read relevant academic and professional literature Make sure you are up to date with relevant current affairs Be prepared to explore your strengths and areas needing development

16 Fees and funding for social work students Whilst most students will be entitled to apply to Student Finance England in the usual way for a student loan, and some will be eligible for certain specific bursaries (see each university website), there have been major changes to social work funding nationally. This means that there are NO government bursaries for first year undergraduate students. There are also FAR FEWER bursaries available for second and third year students not all on any course will receive a bursary. Further reviews of funding mean that these may be further reduced in number or removed completely. For further information please see: our_guide_to_social_work_bursaries_2015_- _16_(V1)_ pdf

17 Over to you..