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People who apply for professional social work courses at The University of Nottingham are being urged to take advantage of bursaries which have been protected from government cuts for the next academic year.
With the UCAS application deadline of January 15th fast approaching, the Department of Health has acknowledged the importance of training social workers of the future by confirming that, despite wide public sector cuts, no changes will be made to the social work bursary system for the 2012 academic year.
The prominent social work campaigner Margaret Humphreys CBE who has lobbied widely on behalf of post-war child migrants is adding her weight to the campaign to raise awareness of the growing need for professional social workers. She receives an honorary degree from The University of Nottingham today.
Margaret Humphreys was portrayed by Emily Watson in Jim Loach’s film Oranges and Sunshine, which is based on the book ‘Empty Cradles ‘about her quest to reconnect children sent abroad with their families in the UK. She said: “Our work with child migrants over the last 25 years is evidence of the importance of social workers in helping people re-build their lives, establish their identity and gain the practical help they need. In these tough times the need for trained professional social workers is greater than ever and we must encourage committed people to take up this important work.”
Professor Justine Schneider of the University’s School of Sociology and Social Policy said: "We recognise and value life experience in our applicants; these bursaries make it possible for some people to change to a more rewarding career in social work. We fear that they will not be available after this year and that students will have to find even more money to pursue professional qualifications in social work.”
The University of Nottingham’s Centre for Social Work accepts around 60 entrants to social work courses each year. All applicants are advised to apply for a bursary along the following guidelines…
• All eligible applicants will receive a non-income assessed basic grant. The amount of the grant is dependent on where they study and whether they are studying full-time or part-time.
• The amount of the basic grant for undergraduate students is also dependant on whether they are subject to variable tuition fees.
• Postgraduate students may also apply for additional income assessed elements.
The deadline for applying through UCAS is January 15th 2012 and suitable candidates starting in 2012 could also qualify for a bursary to help with living expenses, in addition to the usual student support grants and loans.
Both undergraduate students on the BA in social work and social policy and postgraduates taking the MA in social work at University of Nottingham are eligible. Numbers are limited and there is a careful selection process. Applications must be made through UCAS, and entry requirements can be found here: www.nottingham.ac.uk/sociology/about/about-us/social-work.aspx.
Additional allowances may be claimed for child care and for the extra costs incurred by disabled students. Residency rules apply for all applicants. Details and application forms can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/825.aspx.
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