Social work interview at MMU

nimbo

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck. :):)

Lizabeth101

Any advive for Leeds Met SW MA interview? Mine is next week, I am so nervous!! XxXx

kittycatface

Good luck, I also had a panel interview (one tutor, one person from social services, one service user) they asked everyone the same 4 or 5 questions, such as what do you think a social worker's job description is, how would you manage stress in the workplace, how would you manage the academic side of a master's/BA course, then they asked you to do a written task about how you have helped someone and why, what would you do differently this time. (Unless they have notified you, the written task isn't included in all social work interviews). Definitely have a think about your social care experience/life experience up till now, and how you work inclusively, and how you separate your own views and your emotions from the work you do, particularly in stressful situations. Sorry if that's vague but don't worry, everyone is NICE other wise they wouldn't volunteer to do the interviewing, and the questions were a lot more basic and open that I expected. I would definitely look at GSCC code of practice here: https://www.gscc.org.uk and google national occupational standards for social workers (that last one is really wordy so just pick a couple of the main ideas from it and run with that, they definitely won't expect you to even quote one of their self-explanatory points!) Last thing is to have a couple of questions for the panel in your back pocket, perhaps one question aimed at each person. They are looking for an ability to relate to people and an understanding of what social work will entail, not people that don't get nervous. I was clearly bricking it in the interview, shaking etc and still got in!

nimbo

definitely mention anti discriminatory, and anti oppressive practice, and the GSCC codes....

also buzz words like empowerment, enablement, and what ever you do if they ask why social work don't say 'because you want to help people'... (still debating wot one of my tutors about that one!!!!)

at Leeds met my service user was blind, and had a seeing eye dog. remember it's really rude to stroke a dog while it's working...

good luck sweetie, xxx

Lizabeth101

Hi,

Thank you so much for all your help and advice .... I got a place!!

Hope you don't mind but I have a few quick questions about the Leeds Met course ....

What is the timetable like? Is there opportunity to work part-time, like weekends or holidays, or do these not exist?
How is the work load? Do you have to write a dissertation? If so, how long is it?
Is there anything I can do to prepare in advance? Any reading/ research?
Finally, is the job situation looking hopeful for NQSW? Keep reading really depressing posts by ppl who haven't found a job since qualifying

Thanks again,

Hope you are getting on ok with the course

XxXx

MusicalLawyer

Lizabeth101 wrote: »

What is the timetable like? Is there opportunity to work part-time, like weekends or holidays, or do these not exist?
How is the work load? Do you have to write a dissertation? If so, how long is it?
Is there anything I can do to prepare in advance? Any reading/ research?

XxXx

Aren't these the kind of questions you should have asked at, at least, the Open Day, or interview?
You're about to fork out thousands for an MA, yet you don't know what the course even entails?

You will do a Dissertation - it says so on the course information on the Leeds Met website.
You will also work for 200 days as a student social worker, over 2 placements - most likely unpaid, and this can fall during the summer time.

Maybe you should have a look on their website... http://courses.leedsmet.ac.uk/socialwork_ma

Lizabeth101

MusicalLawyer wrote: »

Aren't these the kind of questions you should have asked at, at least, the Open Day, or interview?
You're about to fork out thousands for an MA, yet you don't know what the course even entails?

You will do a Dissertation - it says so on the course information on the Leeds Met website.
You will also work for 200 days as a student social worker, over 2 placements - most likely unpaid, and this can fall during the summer time.

Thank you for that, I understand where you are coming from but am still deciding between uni's as still waiting to hear from some.
Leeds Met is the closest to me and therefore probs my 1st choice, so just thought I would ask a student's perspective on these points. I was not clear about the dissertation as the website states 'may' complete a dissertation and so was wondering whether or not this is optional. I am nervous about starting a two year intensive course and just want to be as prepared as I can be beforehand. Yeah, I probs should have asked at interview but it was my first one and I was so nervous that the fact it may be too intense to have a part time job never crossed my mind until preparing for my other interviews and reading comments re. this issue posted on forums. I believe I would be a good Social Worker and want to get the most out of this course.
Thank you for your reply
XxXx

brooke3

I'm an NQSW and I got a job before I even graduated. But I was willing to go just about anywhere for the right job. If you're flexible in where you live you shouldn't have a problem finding a job.

Post graduate social work courses are tough. You will not believe how hard it is until you're doing it. When I was a student I was in placement four days a week, uni usually one day a month and then having to do all of the academic work in the evenings and at weekends. Plus you have to write up all the work you do at placement for your portfolio. It is a tough course but some people on my course did manage to work part time too. Personally I just did some mystery shopping on the side for a bit of extra money but mostly saved what I needed before starting the course.
I would say if you can survive without a part time job then do so, the more you put into social work the better really.

Good luck!

Lizabeth101

Hi Brooke3,

Congratulations on getting your first job!! What area are you working in? Are you enjoying it?
Thank you for your advice! I have saved up but think I will work on the bank at my current work and other places just so it's flexible in case I need extra cash.
XxXx

MusicalLawyer

You will do a dissertation a Leeds - it's a Compulsory module.