Welcome to our Virtual Open Day! If you’re interested in Social Work, today is a great way to get to know more about what we have to offer. To prepare for the day, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the course to help you learn more. For anything that isn’t covered, or if you would like more detail, please tune in to our live Q&A session for Social Work at our Virtual Open Day on Saturday 26 September 2020.
Course Information
What support is offered to students?
You will have a personal tutor who you will meet in your first week at university, and who is available for academic and pastoral support throughout your course. In addition, support with accommodation, wellbeing, finance, and academic study is available, as is support for disabled students and those students with learning needs.
Find out more about the university’s student support team.
How many days will I be expected to be on campus?
Currently, there is a mix of face-to-face and online teaching and learning. The number of days you need to be on campus will vary between semesters and year of study. Social Work is a full time course and includes guided study days when you are not being formally taught.
Are there any exams?
Yes, there is an open book Law exam in Year 1 and Year 3. This means you will be able to use your notes and books during the exam. There will be a mock exam to prepare you for the actual exam.
Where can a degree in social work take you?
Do you know about the range of specialisms and settings that you could end up working in once your course is complete?
Where will teaching take place?
The majority of Social Work teaching will be located at City South Campus. Students have access to library facilities at City South, and can also use University facilities at the City Centre Campus.
What books will I need to purchase?
You will be able to access many books and eBooks through the university library. Reading lists are divided into core texts and recommended texts to help you prioritise which texts you need. £150 is available for students to use to purchase books from an approved supplier.
How many students are there in each year?
There are approximately 100 Social Work students in each academic year.
Is there a bursary available for students?
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Department for Education (DfE) allocate a fixed number of undergraduate and postgraduate social work bursaries to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) delivering qualifying social work programmes. As the number of students commencing social work programmes can exceed the number of bursaries available, there is no guarantee that all students will receive a bursary. Bursaries are available in Year 2 and Year 3 based on attainment and attendance, and subject to meeting NHS criteria.
Placements
Do I have to find my own placement?
No, we have a placements team who will find you a placement based on your own learning needs and to some extent your location. You will be supported to complete a placement application form.
Where are the placements located?
The placements provided are in Birmingham or the surrounding area. You will be invited to an interview at your placement, this will determine whether you will be offered a place and also enables you to find out more about the learning opportunities.
How many placements will I complete?
You will undertake two placements during your course. In Year 2, a 70 day placement and Year 3 a 100 day placement.
Student life in Birmingham
Join us at Birmingham City University and you will be studying right in the heart of a forward-looking and vibrant city with plenty to see and not far from City South campus. Whether you’re moving to Birmingham or you’re a Brummie at heart, there’s so much to student life here to explore.
