Reading University confirms closure of social work department

The University of Reading has confirmed it will be closing its social work department by September 2011.

The 171 students currently taking the degree course will be the university’s final intake, after the university’s governing body voted overwhelmingly in favour of closing the school of health and social care.

Post-qualifying training

Some of the 62 first-year students have previously raised concerns about potential difficulties in graduating if they are forced to defer a year. The closure will also affect nearby authorities such as Reading Council and Windsor and Maidenhead Council, which send social workers on the university’s four post-qualifying programmes.

(Students and staff speak in February about the proposed closure of the course)

Support for staff and students

A statement from the University of Reading said: “The university takes its responsibility to staff and students very seriously and their interests will be our priority until the school closes.”

The statement added that it would enter consultation with staff and trade unions under the university’s “restructuring” policy, with a view to avoiding compulsory redundancies where possible, while the university will support students to ensure they are able to finish the courses.

Have your say on the closure of the University of Reading’s social work department on CareSpace

Related articles

Reading urges neighbours to battle social work course closure