Social work masters

retro:electro

Can anyone who has done this course tell me how your voluntary experience is assessed/verified during the application/interview process? I am due to apply on Feb but have a feeling I will be short by 100 hrs. Would I be able to get away with it?

LadyMayBelle

I'd call the department and have a chat about it. The course is always massively over subscribed, and plenty of people have well over the hours required. Better safe than sorry

Elizabeth Smith

Its assessed in terms of what you have learned from it..how you can translate micro to macro problems, such as addiction..individual problems associated with it and how these problems can filter into wider societal problems.

Also, how you coped with emotionally challenging situations, self care, how you feel you helped etc

Tbh, in the university interviews my advice would be to be positive and enthusiastic. Dont be a robot and show your personality also they are big on social work values and ethics and recent policy/literature.

Feel free to ask any more questions!

retro:electro

Elizabeth Smith wrote: »

Its assessed in terms of what you have learned from it..how you can translate micro to macro problems, such as addiction..individual problems associated with it and how these problems can filter into wider societal problems.

Also, how you coped with emotionally challenging situations, self care, how you feel you helped etc

Tbh, in the university interviews my advice would be to be positive and enthusiastic. Dont be a robot and show your personality also they are big on social work values and ethics and recent policy/literature.

Feel free to ask any more questions!

Thanks so much! That is so helpful. Did you have much experience at the time of the interview? Do they ask for references for the work you've done? I have some additional care experience from 10 years ago but am debating whether to even include that as I can't even remember the name of the woman whose contact details I would need

Elizabeth Smith

I had worked up a lot of hours as I worked as a HCA in different settings also I worked in ID for a few years.
From what I remember you just had to give 2 referees and they contact them via phone or email.
I gave an academic referee and my boss from my job in the ID service. A lot of the people in my class didnt have loads and loads of experience but it's more of a matter of what you have to offer and your understanding of the role of the SW. Your previous experience is used as a foundation of how different services work and your ability to work on the frontline to vulnerable people along with empathy and understanding to their suituation.
They usually ask why exactly you want to be a social worker and what the different types of social work are ie. CP, mental health, medical, private, community etc.
I wouldnt dwell on your voluntary exp. too much its where you are at now and what you can bring to the table!

Elizabeth Smith

Also, in your application make sure you have a strong personal statement. Well written and NO spelling/grammar mistakes.
Include you have an interest in current affairs, ethics and you can be empathetic..basically sell yourself!

Elizabeth Smith

*understanding and empathy towards how wider social problems affect the individual eg. Economic problems affect mental health may cause homelessness and the cycle of poverty. This is where you bring in the value of your work experience and what you have learned from it.
I hope that makes sense ��