The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) has launched a new ‘Pathways into social work’ video series, highlighting the different routes people have taken studying the Degree in Social Work in Northern Ireland.
The videos are part of the annual ‘#Yes2SocialWork’ campaign, run on behalf of the Department of Health (DoH) which highlights the different career prospects and routes into social work to encourage applicants to the NI Degree in Social Work (the Degree).
As the UCAS deadline approaches, the videos can help those considering social work, by highlighting the journey of seven individuals who are currently studying or have recently graduated from the Degree.
The stories cover school leavers, to existing graduates returning to study social work through the two-year Relevant Graduate Route, to mature students from different backgrounds embarking on a career change or for career progression.
Alongside the launch of the new videos, Social Care Council Interim Chief Executive Declan McAllister has also written to all post-primary schools across Northern Ireland to encourage A-Level students to consider the Degree in Social Work as part of their UCAS application.
“The Degree in Social Work is a pathway to a fulfilling and rewarding career where individuals can make a positive and significant difference to people’s lives,” he said.
“Studying social work provides the opportunity to work with a wide range of people, groups and communities with diverse backgrounds. There are lots of different settings where social workers are making a difference and these videos show that there are lots of different pathways into social work, for all sorts of different people, with different motivations.”
In particular this year’s campaign is aimed at those seeking a career change to social work, where there is a significant demand to grow the workforce with multiple roles available across sectors.
Mr McAllister continued: “The role of social workers in our communities has never been more important. A career in social work enables you to support people and make a real difference in your community. It is a career that offers you real purpose, personal satisfaction and a wealth of employment opportunities. These new videos are a really important resource to help show how anyone, from any walk of life, can successfully apply to study social work here.”
View the Pathways Videos here.
Want to know more?
The Degree in Social Work is currently offered at:
– Queen’s University Belfast.
– Ulster University (Magee Campus).
– Belfast Metropolitan College (Millfield Campus).
– South West College (Dungannon Campus).
– Open University (an employer sponsored route).
There are currently two-degree routes to study social work in Northern Ireland; the three-year Undergraduate Route and a two-year Relevant Graduate Route for those who have completed a related degree.
In addition to the ‘Pathways into Social Work’ video series, the Social Care Council has produced two animations with useful information about each route:
- The Honours Degree in Social Work – 2 Year Relevant Graduate Route (RGR)
- The Honours Degree in Social Work – 3 Year Undergraduate Route (UGR)
To learn more about the campaign and steps to get started in applying to the Degree in social work, explore the website here, or read some of our social work stories.
For more information:
Rita McCullagh, Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement
Rita.mccullagh@niscc.hscni.net 07874682049