Hi all.
I've applied to the University of Birmingham and also Warwick Uni to do my MA in Social Work, starting 2012.
I've got an interview at Birmingham and Warwick and it says something about a testimonial and questions. I was just wondering if anyone has any tips on what kind of questions they ask and what the interviews are like etc???? I know a lot about child protection and childrens services etc, but not that much on others topics such as poverty etc? Will this matter?
And to anyone already on the course or qualifed, whats your opinions on the courses, the work load, the placements or on anything at all? Would really appropriate any advice, tips, opinions etc on these matters as I reeeeeeeeally want to get on the course!! Thanks so much!!
Warwick was always considered a good left wing university but then there is a school of thought that all universities are left wing. (Buckingham?)
I finished the MA at Birmingham last year. The work load is extremely high and the level you are expected to work at is also high. The majority of people failed the first essay because the standards are so different to undergrad. If you are prepared to fully throw yourself into it, and frankly give up your life a bit for social work for 2 years, then it is fantastic. It is a great course with a great range of teaching staff with a variety of ways of lecturing. But you have to be prepared to give it 100%
In terms of the interview - i wouldn't focus everything on child protection, obviously it is great that you have experience in that area and certainly draw upon that during the interview. However you need to also be keyed up in current affairs in social care i.e the welfare reform, changes to the NHS, budget cuts in adults and childrens services. And also be aware and have read up on the other areas of social work, as it is such a huge 'topic' so to speak. So homelessness, care of the elderly, drug and alcohol, youth offending, mental health (both children and adults), disabilities etc etc. Show you have a variety of interests.
x
Hello. Thats really helpful, thanks for taking the time to reply.
How have you found getting a job afterwards?
How did you cope financially? Id like to do a bit of paid work along side but worried about If id have time?
Thanks again.