Progression Agreement Relevant information if you are studying towards the Access to HE Diploma in Social Work, Health Sciences, Social Sciences or Nursing and Social Work at: Bromley College Carshalton College Croydon College Kingston College Orpington College Richmond Adult Community College South Thames College incorporating Merton College. West Thames College

ACCESS TO BA (HONS) SOCIAL WORK

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WHAT ARE YOU

GOING TO DO AFTER

COLLEGE

Having completed an Access to HE Diploma in Social Work, Health Sciences, Social Sciences or Nursing and Social Work, it can be difficult to choose the best options for gaining further qualifications to help you progress into a career as a Social Worker. If you going to study full-time, you may be eligible for an NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Bursary.

There are four universities in South London that offer the BA (Hons) Social Work degree, and have signed a formal progression agreement to make the process of applying to university clearer and more straight forward for you. The universities are: • Kingston University • London South Bank University • Royal Holloway, University of London • University of Greenwich

WHY APPLY TO A UNIVERSITY THAT IS

• Your application will be given fair & equal consideration in the admissions process if you meet the minimum entry requirements.

PART OF THE

PROGRESSION

AGREEMENT?

• Your qualification is understood & valued by these universities. By signing the progression agreement they show that they recognise the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Social work, Health & Social Care (or other related Health & Social Care/work) related programmes as appropriate routes into higher level study. • You will be given support from your college to make your application. • There may also be opportunities to undertake extra study modules which will help you to be better prepared for study at university. • These universities have shared information with your college about the way their courses run, what you will study when you get there & how you will be assessed.

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WHAT DOES

THE PROGRESSION AGREEMENT • Gives you clear information about the entry requirements for the fours universities offering BA (Hons) Social Work. • Tells you what else the university will want to see on your application in addition to your qualifications e.g. work experience. • Helps you to be better prepared for the admissions process.

• Where your grades do not meet the entry criteria for the progression agreement courses (e.g. GCSE Maths, Science or English) or their equivalence your college has agreed where possible to provide you with information on opportunities to gain or re-sit these qualifications. • Gives you the information you need to make the right decisions about your future learning.

DO FOR ME

WHAT CAN I EXPECT

FROM THE COURSE? The BA (Hons) Social Work prepares students for a challenging profession which requires maturity, a high level of commitment, open mindedness and patience. It will provide you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to work with a wide range of individuals and groups and provide care and support.

How will I be taught?

The programme involves a practice based learning approach complemented by university based teaching. The programme is designed to give students an integrated combination of theory and practice. The practitioner/service user led small group activities prepare students for work in the social work profession. Students undertake practice placements in social work, social care and other welfare organisations, working alongside and under the supervision of experienced social workers.

How will I be assessed?

There are a full range of assessment methods used including written assignments, essays, examinations, projects, case studies and presentations. Practice placements are also assessed through written work, portfolio work and feedback from supervisors and service users.

What support will I receive during the course?

You will be allocated a personal tutor and support is also given through tutor-led small group work and supervision. Support is also available for literacy, numeracy and other essential skills, through university learning support centres.

What other support is available?

Universities offer a range of advice and guidance services for students. This will usually include health, counselling, finance & careers. These are normally supplemented by web based support tools for students.

What is an NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Bursary?

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This is a bursary that students who are studying for Social Work degrees approved by the General Social Care Council may be eligible for. A list of approved degree courses can be found on the website: www.gscc.org.uk Students who are studying full time are eligible if they are not being funded by an employer and meet the UK residency criteria. All eligible applicants will receive a non-income assessed basic grant.

The amount of the grant depends on: • where they study and whether they are studying full-time or part-time • whether they are subject to variable tuition fees Further information on eligibility and the application process can be found on the website: www.ppa.org.uk/swb

What is a QAA validated course?

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulates the national recognition of Access top HE courses. It is responsible for assuring the quality of recognised Access course. You can check that your course is QAA recognised by searching for the course in the database of QAA-recognised Access to HE courses at: https://ava.qaa.uk/SubSites/PublicSearch/s earch.aspx. If you are unsure ask your college tutor.

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To be considered for the BA (Hons) Social Work degree by the universities in this progression agreement, you will need to: • Be over 18 years old at the start of the course;

Disability

• Successfully complete an interview and written tests;

If you have a disability you are encouraged to speak to the university before making your application so that your specific needs can be discussed.

BA (Hons) Social Work

• Be able to demonstrate practical experience of caring in either a personal, working or voluntary capacity; • Have gained GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths, or an equivalent qualification at level 2; • Meet the General Social Care Council accreditation requirements based on an approved Declaration of Suitability for Social Work and a satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau check; • Be given Occupational Health Clearance for Social Work; • Meet the academic qualification requirements through the Access to HE Diploma. Offers are subject to satisfactory references. All of the conditions listed must be met six weeks before commencing the course. All of the universities involved in the agreement test all applicants, regardless of academic background, using literacy & numeracy tests of the same level.

Additional information On your UCAS form you should try to demonstrate your knowledge and practical experience and interest in Social Work. Explain your interest in social work and why you want to become a Social Worker. This information will strengthen your application.

If you have any other equivalent qualifications, speak to your college tutor or contact the admissions service at Kingston University & tell them that you are a Progression Agreement Learner from the South London Lifelong Learning Network.

Location School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Penrlyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE

Duration:

Other information

Kingston University

Three years full-time or four years including a placement year.

When completing your UCAS form include details of the following:

To be considered for this course you will need: in Social Work, • Access to HE Diploma Sciences or ial Soc es, Health Scienc with 45 rk Wo ial Soc and Nursing credits at Level 3

&

• GCSE A*-C in English and Maths, or Key Skills Level 2 or equivalent Access course credits

• Why you have chosen the course & why you think the course is the right one for you • Any relevant work experience • Mature students with other Access to HE qualifications or other equivalent qualifications will be considered on an individual basis

&

• Practical experience through working or volunteering in a care setting

ersity visit: For further information about the univ

www.kingston.ac.uk

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If you have any other equivalent qualifications, speak to your college tutor or contact the admissions service at London South Bank University & tell them that you are a Progression Agreement Learner from the South London Lifelong Learning Network.

Location Faculty of Health & Social Care London South Bank University Southwark Campus 103 Borough Road London SE1 0AA

Duration: Three years full-time (part-time mode also available)

To be considered for this course you will need:

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in Social • Access to HE Diploma Social es, enc Sci Work, Health Social and g sin Nur or Sciences el 3 Lev at dits cre 45 h wit rk Wo

Other information When completing your UCAS form include details of the following: • Why you have chosen the course & why you think the course is the right one for you • Any relevant work experience

• GCSE A*-C in English and Maths, or Key Skills Level 2 or equivalent Access course credits

&

• Practical experience through working or volunteering in a care setting for at least 3 months or 420 hours

ersity visit: For further information about the univ

www.lsbu.ac.uk

University of Greenwich

Locations

Other information

University of Greenwich Avery Hill Campus South Wood Site Avery Hill Road Eltham London SE7 2UG

When completing your UCAS form include details of the following: • Why you have chosen the course & why you think the course is the right one for you • Any relevant work experience

Duration: Three years full-time or four years including a placement year.

To be considered for this course you will need: If you have any other equivalent qualifications, speak to your college tutor or contact the admissions service at Greenwich University & tell them that you are a Progression Agreement Learner from the South London Lifelong Learning Network. in Social • Access to HE Diploma ial Work, Health Sciences, Soc ial Soc and g Sciences or Nursin 3 el Lev at dits cre Work with 45

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• Practical experience through working or volunteering in a care setting for at least 3 months or 420 hours

&

• GCSE A*-C in English and Maths, or Key Skills Level 2 or equivalent Access course credits

For further information about the university visit: www.gre.ac.uk

Royal Holloway, University of London

Duration:

If you have any other equivalent qualifications, speak to your college tutor or contact the admissions service at Royal Holloway, University of London & tell them that you are a Progression Agreement Learner from the South London Lifelong Learning Network.

Three years full-time or six years part-time

Other information

Location Royal Holloway, University of London Egham Hill Egham TW20 0EX

To be considered for this course you will need: in Social • Access to HE Diploma Social es, enc Sci lth Hea Work, Social and g sin Nur or es enc Sci el 3 Lev at dits Work with 45 cre

&

• GCSE A*-C in English and Maths, or Key Skills Level 2 or equivalent Access course credits

When completing your UCAS form try to include details of the following: • Why you have chosen the course & why you think the course is the right one for you • Any relevant work experience All candidates expected to achieve the minimum entry qualifications will be invited to interview.

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• Practical experience through working or volunteering in a care setting

ersity visit: For further information about the univ

www.rhul.ac.uk

Undergraduate Social Work course links KINGSTON UNIVERSITY

http://www.kingston.ac.uk/socialworkba

LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY

http://prospectus.lsbu.ac.uk/courses/course.php?UCASCode=l500

ROYAL HOLLOWAY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

http://www.rhul.ac.uk/Health-and-SocialCare/Studying/BSc%20Programme

UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH

http://www.gre.ac.uk/courses/ug/care/l500

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE

UCAS (University & Colleges Admissions Service) 0870 11 222 11 www.ucas.ac.uk The official site for universities & colleges showing what courses are available, where they are & how to apply www.opendays.com Timetable of university & college open days country-wide. ONCLR Access Diplomas, Providers, Ruler of Combination for named diploma & units. www.ocnlr.org.uk/access-to-he/apru The site provides informaition about the components of each OCN validated diploma. www.gscc.org.uk General Social Care Council

GENERAL ADVICE

The site provides facts & information on student loans. The Student support Helpline: 0845 300 509 Provides information about the types of financial help you could qualify for, including student loans, grants and bursaries.

NHS BUSINESS SERVICE AUTHORITY (NHSBSA) BURSARY

Students who are studding full time are eligible for a bursary if: You are entering or already studying either a degree or diploma course in social work, which has been approved by the General Social Care Council. You can also find a list GSCC approved degree course on the website www.gscc.org.uk

Aimhigher www.aimhigher.ac.uk/dontstop What is higher education? How does it work? What to study & making the right choices for you.

You meet eligibility criteria for accessing public funds under the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2006.

Edexcel http://www.edexcel.org.uk/sfc/onscreen/alan-test/ Information on Literacy, Language & Numeracy.

You live in England

Connexions Direct www.connexions-direct.com Information & advice for young people

FINANCE

Check the individual universities website for information on fees & finance. Most universities offer bursaries or advice on finance. The Student Loans Company http://www.slc.co.uk

You are not being funded by your employer to study.

The address if the NHSBSA is: NHS Business Service Authority Social Work Bursary Sandyford House, Archbold Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1DB Telephone no. 0845 610 11 22 Fax no. 0191 203 5507 Email: [email protected] You will be able to find an application pack and guidance notes on the website: www.ppa.org.uk/swb

Making your application Be studying for an Access to HE Diploma in Social Work, Health Sciences, Social Sciences or Nursing and Social Work at one of the colleges shown on the front of this leaflet.

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Find out more about the subject that you wish to study & read up on the courses avail able. Make sure that you are making the right choic es. Visit the careers service or talk to your tutor

Meet the minimum entry requirements for the institutions of your choice

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STEP 3 Complete a UCAS application utilising the support provided by your college/school

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Use the support available at your colle ge to help you write a strong personal statemen t. For tips & extra help visit www.ucas.ac.uk/stude nts/apply

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STEP 4 Be prepared for the selection process. This will include written tests and an interview, where you will be expected to talk about your previous experience of care roles and settings. When you attend for an interview mak e sure you dress smartly, arrive on time, that you know where you are going and how to get there. Remember first impressions count , particularly wrote on your UCAS form Be familiar with what you about why ns stio que ed ask . You may be your personal statement erience exp work course; talk about any you want to come on the Work. Be prepared! or your interest in Social

STEP 5 Take advantage of continued supp ort the university offers prospective students e.g. advic e on finance and bursaries, coping with the transition, summer schools or bridging modules

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STEP 6

You will have to accept or decline this once you know the results of your course.

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This progression agreement has been developed through the South London Lifelong Learning Network & is reviewed twice per year. The South London Lifelong Learning Network is a Government funded initiative that exists to increase the number of vocational learners progressing to higher education & beyond. The network brings together groups of institutions in South London, including universities & colleges, to offer new progression opportunities for vocational learners.

www.southlondonlpe.co.uk