Hi everyone,

I'm really looking for some advice on this. I recently graduated with a 2:1 in history and have recently applied to study the MA in Social Work. I also applied for a number of BA social work courses. Since I graduated in 2006 I've done various types of volutary work including working with young people as a mentor and more recently working with young offenders, I also work part-time in a social care setting. Unfortuantely, I wasn't accepted on the MA course this year. However, I have been offered to study the BA in social work. I'm really not sure whether to take the BA or take another year out and try again for the MA. I know that many people say that there is no real difference between the two degrees. However, I think that already possessing a degree it would make more sense to further myself academically and try for the MA. Also, once graduating, I had thought if it would be more advantageous to have an MA in terms of furthering my career once qualified in terms of further post-qualifying awards. I don't know - what do you think?

 Any help would be much appreciated.

 Thanks

B x

 Hi Buttercup

Sorry you've had no responses yet on this. If you're on Facebook, we have a Facebook group which has quite a few students on it. You should be able to find it if you search for Community Care. Once you join the group you could ask them and they might be able to help.

Simeon 

From what I've heard, there isn't any real difference in terms of getting a job, but obviously the undergraduate courses are a year longer.  Because you have a 2:1 you will be eligible for any postgraduate course (as far as I know) so it's really you're decision whether you want to wait another year to start, or do the BA.  If you did onto a postgraduate course next year, you would qualify at the same time anyway.  Although, if you think you might want to do a PhD one day, the MA would be just about essential.

Did you ask for feedback on why you were rejected for the MA course?

As you all ready have an undergrad degree have you checked out the funding situation for another same level course? 
I know BA students do get an NHS bursary, but I think they usually receive student loans too, which you may not be eligible for again.  What about the tuition fee aspect too?For the MA course, you do get a bursary and tuition fees paid, for definite. (I am due to start the MA in Sept).

The other consideration is how to explain to employers that you have two same level degrees, rather than a higher level social work qualification.  Could you ask for feedback as to why you were rejected for the MA course? It may help you decide whether to wait a year and gain more experience first (which may also be beneficial when going for post-qualification employment) and then re-apply, or whether to just go and do the BA immediately. Either way, you would still qualify at the same time!