Bridget
Jones

Why NTU?

Why did you choose to study MA Social Work?

"I have always had a passion for supporting people to the best of my ability. I choose to study the MA in social work because I believe I can make a genuine difference in people's lives. Social work practice denotes empowerment, human rights, and respect for diversity.

Before applying to study MA Social Work, I had completed a Health and Well-being in Society BSc degree. I consolidated my understanding of the law, legislation, and government policies, including The Care Act 2014 and Mental Capacity Act 2005 and have seen how this can be used to empower individuals to take control of their lives. The MA in social work has given me more insight and understanding into developing my passion to support individuals that uses social services."

Why did you choose your course at NTU?

"I chose to study at NTU because of the outstanding reputation it has in the UK and around the world.

I applied to other Universities within the East Midlands, but I ended up choosing NTU because each of the MA modules are built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. This particularly caught my interest as these will give me a clear understanding of what I will be able to achieve at the end of my course, as well as the knowledge and skills I will acquire to strengthen my employability. I am glad I made the decision to study here as my experience at NTU has been positive."

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

"My experience has been positive. One of my highlights has been the opportunity we were given to work one-to-one with clients with lived experiences. The knowledge and skills I had acquire during those sessions helped me immensely during my time on my first placement. It is important to work with clients with lived experience because it helps to reduce stigma and discrimination."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"Social science to me means the interactions of individuals in society, learning about the culture in which we live, advocating for human rights, working with people from different diversity and transforming people’s lives."

On Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course?

"I completed my first placement at the New Future Project in Leicester. The Project is a not-for-profit charitable organisation that provides emotional, practical, and therapeutic support to women, both adults and young people, involved in domestic abuse or at risk of sexual abuse or exploitation.

My responsibilities were to provide one-to-one support for clients, offering help in person or over the phone. I assisted women with welfare check-ins, benefits, council tax, housing, and legal issues. I collaborated with people or groups to advance safety, lessen risk, and advance autonomy and empowerment.

During my time on placement, I gained knowledge on what to do to support clients through a mental health crisis. I enjoyed my one-to-one support with clients. With some of my clients, just a chart with me on the phone hearing them laughing while we were having conversations and for them telling me they are happy I called them was very rewarding and worth it."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"One of my memorable moments on placement was going out on the street at night for outreach service to distribute food and other essentials to women in street-based sex work and those that are rough sleeping. Knowing that just for that moment they will have something to eat and not go to sleep hungry was a good feeling."

Support

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

"The support from tutors and staff has been brilliant. Since my time at NTU, I have not had any time that the tutors were not available to support me when I was struggling with issues with my studies. My tutors all have a background in social work, and they have first-hand experiences of intense challenges that come with being a social worker. So, their support is always impactful."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"I hope to come back after completing my MA degree to pursue a PhD program at NTU. My experience at the University has shown me that I can achieve greater heights."