Goldsmiths joins with local councils got drive up recruitment in social work

As part Goldsmiths' drive to boost recruitment to the social work profession, the first 30 students to accept their offer of a place on each of the qualifying social work programmes at Goldsmiths (starting September 2017) will receive a £1,000 scholarship on successful completion of the first term.

Joan Fletcher, Head of Social Work at Goldsmiths said:

"The New Year is an ideal time to consider using our talents to help others - and across South London, there are thousands of people who are in need of support. Social work is tough but infinitely rewarding, and we need more ambitious people to enter the profession

"Increasingly, a social work qualification also offers a passport to work abroad or an entry to work in more specialist areas such as fostering and adoption, youth offending and systemic family therapy.

"Goldsmiths is committed to serving the people of South London, and we want to make our community stronger and fairer. That's why we are working more closely with local authorities to offer local people the opportunity to build successful careers.  

"I hope local people of all ages and backgrounds will apply. Whether you are just starting out, or want to make a career move into something that promises a lifetime of learning and achievement, we want to talk to you."

The Government-backed South East London Teaching Partnership, successfully piloted at Goldsmiths in 2015, is part of a drive to improve standards in social work to give people better life opportunities.

Social workers are employed by Local Authorities, NHS trusts and the voluntary sector. They provide advice, support and assistance to elderly people, children needing protection or who are in care, people with mental health problems, homeless young people and adults and people with drug, alcohol or substance dependency. 

To do the job well requires intelligence, empathy and the use of law and policy to promote social justice. 

Academics and practitioners have designed the courses together, ensuring that the qualifying programmes directly reflect contemporary, real-life issues and situations. 

The quality of the education and training on offer, guaranteed high-quality work placements and 'careering ahead' programme mean that our graduates are sought after, leading to 90% employability rates. 

Applications can be made through UCAS. 

Entrants require a minimum of 120 UCAS points for the BA course, or an upper second degree for the MA programme, plus relevant experience.

See here for information about the new UCAS tariff for the BA Social Work course.