Brian
Mitchell

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study your subject?

"I was working as a gas and electric meter engineer, visiting people’s homes, seeing a snapshot of their lives, and spending time talking to them. I learned many different stories are hidden behind rows of identical house doors, and inequality exists all around us. The role of a social worker offers a chance to help change this for the better."

Why did you choose BA (Hons) Social Work and NTU?

"It was something of a leap of faith to give up eight and half years with an employer and begin again as a student. Social work is a professional role and needs a degree though, so following an Access course in an FE college, I received the offer of an interview at five universities.

I knew straight away on the interview day I wanted to come here. I liked the staff I met and the course content, and felt this was going to be a holistic yet challenging environment for me to learn in.

I already knew Nottingham a little, and liked the city with its big country parks, and busy centre. I placed NTU as my number one choice and achieved what I needed to be here."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"This has been a brilliant journey so far. The course content has been delivered in person, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and do group work. It has been hard work, but the support and resources have been there to help overcome it.

One of the first highlights was the opportunity to work alongside volunteers who had lived experience as social work service users. This really brought the course to life and allowed me to understand some of the issues and challenges that will arise in the profession."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"I am involved in the Help In The Community Society, who volunteer their time to prepare food and operate soup kitchens for the homeless. They go out into the centre of the city on a regular basis, often working alongside another local group, and provide warm drinks and a meal to those who need it. This has been a very positive experience and felt like a good way to contribute some spare time.

I was also asked to participate in making a new training film for the social work students in the next cohort, which was an interesting experience, and have participated in group sessions about university life in general."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Social sciences to me means appreciating the interplay between individuals and society, understanding how prevailing attitudes and thought processes can create opinion and provide or remove opportunity.

It means using this knowledge to reduce inequality, provide guidance to additional support, and enable independence and mobility wherever possible.

It means understanding the levels of discrimination people may face in their daily lives and the way they might be removed.
It means working in partnership to improve lives and promote understanding."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

"I have completed the first placement, which for me was 80 days working in a Local Authority Child Protection Team. This was an experience I will never forget, working with the social work team alongside children who may be victims of abuse or neglect, substance abuse or illness. Not only did I get to apply the theoretical course learning to the role, but I was also able to carry out direct work with children and families, chair meetings, attend court, and work with agencies such as the police and probation services."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"The whole placement was memorable, but some experiences that stand out were being trusted to do my first solo visit; when I collected a baby from their foster carers and transported them to their estranged mother, taking a group of siblings who never left their bedroom out for a dog walk, and spending time in the homes of those whose culture I wouldn’t normally experience, such as Travellers.

It was a privilege to be able to work alongside children and families to help them access funding, resolve housing issues and support them with daily living skills, or simply provide an outlet for them to talk to.

I will also treasure a leaving card from a family who I did a lot of work with, which was given to me on my last day of placement."

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"The university provides additional courses in Academic English and Library support that can be booked or dropped into. These are a good source of guidance if you need to discuss referencing for a piece of work or want some guidance in critical thinking. I have found the tutors and academic staff to be approachable and knowledgeable with up-to-date materials and data, and have experience in their relevant roles.

Students are encouraged to read a lot about their subject, and I would recommend this as there is always more to a topic than can be examined in a lecture."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

"Yes, the induction week allowed the opportunity to get to know each other, and we work in different groups frequently so spend a lot of time learning about each other.

As a mature student, I worried before arrival that I would not fit in, but I need not have worried, and my cohort has a diverse mix of people from many different backgrounds."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"After passing the course, I intend to apply for a local authority role as a social worker and complete my Assessed and Supervised Year of Experience."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"This is a professional course that will allow me to complete the degree I need to work as a social worker. The modules we complete along with interactive sessions, workshops and presentations give a solid grounding into a varied and rewarding career.

Social workers have a continuous professional need to learn and demonstrate their ability to practice, and the skills taught to me on this course, particularly around research, critical thinking and reflection provide the skills to do this."

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to add to your own experiences, allowing you to become an effective social work practitioner.

The content is relevant and interesting, encapsulating aspects of sociology, human lifecycle study, communications theory, law, social policy, and 200 days of practical tasks, including two placements.

You will need to be self-motivated and manage your time effectively. Self-discipline in your independent study time is important, and make sure you keep on top of reading and assignments, as they can soon mount up.

Most of all keep an open mind and enjoy the experience of learning alongside those who have the same goals as you."