I would rate my experience there as poor to average.
The contact time at Uni for each year has been between is 2-6 hours per week, which frankly for over £3k per year is scandalous. However, I must say I have not experienced Social Work at any other university so the contact time might be standard.
There is no individuality when it comes to allocating placements, it seems its luck of the draw.
Academic staff rarely respond to emails.
Prejudice comments have been made in lectures which have then gone unchallenged - despite some students complaining.
I honestly do not see how this course is degree standard.
Hi KebabGirl,
I was going to rate my university and read your review... which I was very surpised at, not because I know Salford but just that a Social Work degree can make student feel that way on a professional degree.
I would say however, I think the contact time (i.e. lectures/seminars/workshops) is pretty standard from my experience and from talking to others. I have had roughly 6 hours in the first year, 6-8 hours in the second year and 3-8 hours in the final year, this is then on top of placements, therefore any more "contact time" would reduce the amount of hours on placement, which I feel is a small amount of time to get stuck into an organisation and complete/get involved in some effective, complex and meaningful work with colleagues and service users alike.
It is disappointing that even after complaints of prejudice this has gone unchallenged within the department, surely this degree is one of the most important ones for this type of things is vital to be addressed?! Perhaps as students these could be challenged (sensitively within the lecture context) about meaning, prejudice and the impact social work practice... perhaps this would be more effective than a university colleague telling the lecturer about complaints?.... do you have evaluations at the end of the year regarding the modules undertaken and the lecturer? .... this would also be a good arena to air these.
Have you felt that you have gained an insight into Social work and feel fit to practice if you have graduated or feel your learning needs are been met if still at university?
Regards
Kenny
Hi Kenny,
Are you studying Social Work at Salford? I have 2 weeks to choose between studying MA Social Work at Salford or MMU and I have no idea which to choose! Can you offer any advice?
Thanks