Unsuccessful for social work....What now

KatieShopstoomuch

Thank you Mrs, I will have a decision from the other university by Friday so i'm trying to plan what i'll do if i don't get in which is likely but i'll keep a little bit of hope just incase lol.

hightara

katie, have you considered the OU,
im just filling out my forms atm, you can start with the k101 in health/social care, then tailor your degree depending on which direction you would like to go in.

just a thought

Oldernotwiser

hightara wrote: »

katie, have you considered the OU,
im just filling out my forms atm, you can start with the k101 in health/social care, then tailor your degree depending on which direction you would like to go in.

just a thought

You can only do the Degree in Social Work with the OU if you're sponsored by an employer.

KatieShopstoomuch

hightara wrote: »

katie, have you considered the OU,
im just filling out my forms atm, you can start with the k101 in health/social care, then tailor your degree depending on which direction you would like to go in.

just a thought

Hiya, yes i've completed Understanding health and social care and also introduction to social sciences i've got 180 OU points but don't want to complete the degree with them just wanted to get the certificates, K100/K101 is very interesting course lots of social work case studies :j

metalgal

Figured out your from NI. Did you apply for the Social Work Trainee Scheme with any of the trusts? My husband applied for it. Its 1 years placement and then university and they pay you 16k for the placement year and then 17k for 1st and 2nd year and then 19k for 3rd year. It was in April they advertised it so if you decide to not go to uni next year then apply for next april. I think it would be a good way to get accepted on to the SW course.

As far as criminology goes i would not advise. My sister done it at Jordanstown about 3 years ago and it has been as useful for a career as a chocolate teapot. It would only be useful if you went for a non-subject specific graduate job, such as the civil service.

KatieShopstoomuch

metalgal wrote: »

Figured out your from NI. Did you apply for the Social Work Trainee Scheme with any of the trusts? My husband applied for it. Its 1 years placement and then university and they pay you 16k for the placement year and then 17k for 1st and 2nd year and then 19k for 3rd year. It was in April they advertised it so if you decide to not go to uni next year then apply for next april. I think it would be a good way to get accepted on to the SW course.

As far as criminology goes i would not advise. My sister done it at Jordanstown about 3 years ago and it has been as useful for a career as a chocolate teapot. It would only be useful if you went for a non-subject specific graduate job, such as the civil service.

I'd never heard of the trainee scheme? Can't seem to find anymore info on it on NISCC......Do you know where i could find info? Yeah that's worried me with criminology

tiny_courageous

I know you said you want to stay in NI, but what about after you qualify? I'm a social worker in the UK and work with a lot of Northern Irish social workers who have had to move to England because there were so few jobs in the North. one had worked briefly while living at home but had an hour and a half drive each way because it was the only job she could get.
Don't get me wrong, it's a fantastic job, but I guess you need to consider the wider picture and not necessarily rule out moving away because when it comes to employment it may be your only option.

liz.zoo

Hiya Katie! Sorry you got rejected, but my only advice to you if this is what you really want to do, is to reapply! BUT you have to make the most of this year, get as much experience as possible - be it volunteering for a couple of hours a week, or getting a job in social care. Also, you seem to have applied for quite a wide range of subjects - it might be a good idea to sit and have a think, maybe write a list of pro's and cons for each career (not just on pay/benefits but if the career suits your personality and aspirations etc.) and then make a firm decision of the direction you want to head in. Personally I'm working as a personal support worker/carer whilst studying for a degree in social care with the OU (who are brilliant btw!). Once I've completed the degree I'm going to try my best to get onto a masters/trainee graduate scheme in social work. I'm hoping that fours years or so of work experience + degree will work in my favour at interview! I only say this as this might be an option for you - the OU is a really good way of studying, especially if you've got kids/commitments. If you want more info get in touch, I don't work for them or anything - just a satisfied student : ) Anyway, best of luck to you! And remember the people interviewing you are only human - don't get too worked up! Liz
PS I never realised that there are only two uni's in NI, or is that just uni's that have social work courses? If not maybe the big money would be in setting up another university the amount the charge now!

liz.zoo

Also I agree with metalal, I have three friends with criminology degrees, who are either unemployed/working as receptionists etc, or are going through the very long process of joining the police force which they could've done without the degree (I really think crimonolgy is fashionable at the mo due to CSI etc. NO OFFENCE at all meant to anyone studying crimonology or gaduating with a crim degree!). Though it is interesting you're probs better off keeping it as a hobby. As for the Social Work Trainee Scheme - there's loads of different schemes run by different councils in England, obvioulsy not much help to you, but they must have a similar thing in N.I?! My local jobcentre offers careers advice to adults, as well as CV help (completely free of course) so that may be worth looking into, however my only experience is in England so I may well be talking rubbish. Hope all goes well. Liz

froglet_2

I am also studying social work. It might be worth contacting the universities you have already tried & asking them which are the best courses you can do? The k269 in law with the OU might be an option. This might also help http://www.gscc.org.uk/Become+a+social+worker/Becoming+a+social+worker+FAQs/