Hi, can anyone help me please? I have an interview for the MSc in SW in 2 weeks which I'm thrilled about. I come from an education setting so I'm doing loads of reading to prepare.

This is my problem : I am a mature student (not all that old though!) with 3 kids aged 17, 14 and 11. My husband has been v ill for the last few years but is recovering now. I need to get on and train for a good job to get out of the benefits trap. I am so worried though that (if I get in of course) that I won't cope and will get exhausted.

What I want to know is what it's really like. How many hours are spent at uni per week and the placements are another thing entirely I realise - full time with loads of work on top I've been told.

I don't want to ask these sorts of questions at the interview as they'll think I'm not dedicated and I am. I've just finished studying for 4 years to get my first degree but I don't want to put them off or waste their time.

So can anyone give me any advice please. I'd be extremely grateful.

Thanks so much.

 HI

I too was a mature student and had a family of three aged between 16 and 21 when I embarked on my Msc course in SW studies at my local university. I qualified approx 3 years ago. 

The course was two years in total including work placements and academic study. The work load was intense but manageable- it is important to be organised- but these are skills you need as a qualified practitioner anyway. Time at uni was greater in the first year, the second more time was spent in practice and completing the dissertation. I had to complete a two week placement (full time) in my first year and also a 3 month full time placement.  In the last year I completed a longer 90 day placement which was spread roughly over 6 months. On top of that there were academic assignments etc- however as a student we were allocated a day/week study whilst on placement. I decided to make a start on the research for my dissertation the summer before my final placment and that stood me in good stead.

 Yes it was hard work -but the two years flew by and the rewards were immense.  I now have a post as a qualified SW/Care Manager with a Local authority which I enjoy and I am also a qualified Practice Teacher and I am continuing to further develop in my role. 

Hope this has helped....

AB 

Thank you very much, it really helps to have a 'real-life' perspective. I feel better now.

Thanks