Thinking About Social Work? What do social workers do? Where do they work? Would I make a good social worker? What qualifications do I need? Who studies social work? How do you cope with all the bad publicity? How do I decide if it is the right course for me? Where can I get experience?

Where do social workers actually work? Local Authorities Schools Prisons Hospitals Faith Based Organisations Voluntary Organisations Charities Private Companies Criminal Justice Drug and Alcohol Addictions Mental Health Services Residential Services Community Care Early Years Disability HIV/AIDS Adoption and Fostering People Seeking Asylum

Would I make a good social worker? Can you make good relationships with people based on trust and openness? Can you make difficult decisions? Can you accept people for who they are ? Can you recognise prejudice and discrimination? Are you passionate about human rights and social justice?

What qualifications do I need? Mature students Undergraduate course - 4 years 4 Bs at Higher English and Maths at Standard Grade 2 minimum or equivalent HNC in Health and Social Care +SVQ 3 – need merit/A in graded unit Sometimes possible to gain entry to Year 2 but not simple process and considered on individual merit Experience in social care/social work – minimum of 6 months at point of application Post graduate course 2 years Usually good honours degree – relevant subject preferred but not essential Experience – minimum of 6 months at point of application FAQ sheet available on website

Who applies for social work? More women than men Most from West of Scotland Wide range of age groups from schools leavers through to grandparents

What our students say.. "Studying Social Work has allowed me to develop a career which has a strong professional core, enabling me to combine my learning of new practical skills with theoretical knowledge to understand effective ways to help vulnerable people within our society. As a student, the course allows you to gain knowledge of social work practice by using a variety of different teaching methods including working within small groups which generates thought provoking discussions. The diversity of people who study social work at GSSW make the course an interesting an thoroughly enjoyable experience and in general, the qualification allows you to gain a career which is very rewarding both professionally and financially." (Brian Smedley, graduated June 2008

What our students say… "I have really enjoyed my student experience at GSSW. I found that the PgDip Social Work course suited my needs, with its structure combining academic excellence with profession-based vocational standards. At GSSW, my personal qualities and life experience were always valued and, throughout the course, I had the chance to build friendships with people from all backgrounds. GSSW has offered me remarkable learning opportunities in a variety of settings, from class-based lectures and seminars, to professional placements that prepared me for demands of the professional role. With first class Tutor support extending to qualifying level and beyond, GSSW has shared in my trials and triumphs, while giving me an education designed for 21st century Social Work Practice." (Linda Anderson, graduated June 2008)

What about the bad publicity? (where are all the positive stories?)

Community Care Research(2009) National press coverage of social work is mostly negative and about crisis situations, and focuses almost entirely on children's services 54% were negative, 38% objective and just 8% positive. 61% were about a crisis or serious cases. 39% failed to give all parties a right of reply. 88% focused on children's services and 12% on adults. The most commonly used description of social work was "failed" or "failure".

Community Care Research(2009) The Daily Mail and The Sun carried the most articles on social work, averaging almost one a day, and most were negative % for the Daily Mail and 61.4% for The Sun. The Daily Mail carried no positive stories, while just 4 out of The Sun's 70 pieces were positive. The highest proportion of negative stories came in The Mail on Sunday (82%), while several tabloids failed to give all parties a fair opportunity to reply to allegations, in defiance of the Press Complaints Commission code of practice.Press Complaints Commission code of practice By contrast, The Times had no negative stories out of a total of eight and gave a right to reply to all sides in 80% of these. The Guardian carried the highest number of positive articles, with eight out of a total of 35. It also provided the greatest coverage of adult services, with 31% of stories devoted to this area.

How do I decide if this course if for me? Do your research!! Talk with family and friends Think about your strengths and the qualities that you have Ask yourself, can I make a difference by being a social worker?

Where can I get experience? Volunteer!! Visit our webpages: Click on the links for social work. Visit the Scottish Social Services Council webpages Read about social work, Community Care is available online and a good place to start.