How to Become a Social Worker in Northern Ireland
To become a social worker in Northern Ireland, you are required to study and qualify through a social work degree. Degree courses are full-time and last three years or more. There is an opportunity for those holding a relevant first degree to study a two year postgraduate course to qualify.
The social care profession in Northern Ireland is regulated by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC.) All social workers in Northern Ireland must be registered with the NISCC.
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Instructions
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Research the courses available. In order to become eligible for a career in social work, you must first complete a degree in the subject. The only exception to this is if you have previously studied a relevant first degree (many disciplines will be considered.) If this is the case, you are eligible to study a two-year postgraduate course.
Entry requirements are generally three Bs at A-level or above (equivalent levels of qualification, such as HNDs or BTECs will be accepted.) A C grade in maths and English at GCSE level is also compulsory.
It is also a requirement that you register with the NISCC prior to starting your degree. More details can be found at niscc.info
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Decide on the course and university you wish to study with and fill out the application form.
Courses are available at Northern Ireland's two universities: Queen's University, Belfast and Ulster University, Ulster.
Queen's offers both a three-year full-time degree in social work, as well as a two year postgraduate course.
At Ulster, there are a range of social work courses: Community youth work, health and social care policy and social work both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Ulster offers social work at both its Belfast Metropolitan and South West Colleges.
Please note there is financial assistance available. Bursaries are available to all social work students, given the shortage of social workers in Northern Ireland. More information on bursaries can be found at niscc.info
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Fill out an application form. The application process can be an involved one, requiring essay-length answers and the provision of references.
Draft and re-draft your application form, ensuring that you have made the best representation of your skills and qualities. Consider exactly what a university will be looking for in a potential social work student.
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Complete your degree course. Courses last either two or three years dependent upon whether or not you entered at undergraduate or postgraduate level. All courses offered in Northern Ireland are full-time.
Completing a degree in social work involves a large percentage of practical work gaining experience in the social work profession.
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Carry out your assessed year in employment (AYE.) After you have completed your degree course you are required to undergo a mandatory year working as a social worker to demonstrate your capabilities learned during your degree. Successful completion of this year is based upon an evaluation made by your employer.
Once you have qualified through this year, you are a fully qualified social worker in Northern Ireland.
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References
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