Chiedza
Nyamfukudza

Why NTU?

Why did you choose to study MA Social Work at NTU?

"I already hold a BA (Hons) degree in Health and Social Care and wanted to progress academically to the next step. I wanted to save time and money and a shorter course catered for this."

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

"This course has been a positive learning experience for me. I have enjoyed learning about human growth and development from childhood right into adulthood. Placement has also been one of my highlights as l feel l gained so much knowledge and skills."

Social Sciences

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"For me, it is about understanding human beings and their behaviour within the society they live."

Placement

Have you completed any work placements on your course? 

"I had a positive learning experience during my first placement at Derby City Council in the Children, Young People and Families Team. As part of the placement, I undertook direct work, considering what each child liked and what would work best for them as an individual.

During my time on placement, I worked with individuals from diverse cultures and religions, including White British, Black African, Polish, and Slovakian families, and l treated them all with equality and respect. I also had a chance to complete a piece of work around culture which was related to a family in proceedings, as previously they felt unheard regarding their culture and previous Social Care involvement. I considered the potential implications of the difference in cultures and how this could impact the families' engagement with the Local Authority and the expectations in the United Kingdom.

My organisational skills during placement significantly improved. I also evidenced my ability to write formal assessments, case notes and court work at agency standards. There was a significant difference in the quality of my writing as I progressed during my placement.

There were times when I noticed the impact of my personal experiences whilst discussing a similar topic within a case I worked on. I reflected on how this made me feel and any support l needed in respect of this. My self-recognition of how this affected me was very positive and allowed me to consider any support needed and any implications it had on my practice."

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

"My most memorable experience was when l worked with a family from a similar background to mine. There were many complexities I had to navigate, when it came to the experiences of the children l worked with that resonated with my childhood experiences. In working with these children and understanding their wishes and desires, I felt like I was an advocate for them by giving them a voice. Because of a similar childhood experience, a part of me felt like l was also standing up for the little girl in me whom no one stood up for when l went through a similar experience. I also did a piece of work that informed the local authority about our culture."

Support

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

"My tutors and the staff are amazing and helpful. I have not once approached any lecturer for assistance and felt they did not care."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"I will work as social worker and, in the future, I would like to further my studies in issues to do with the BAME community."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"So far, my goal is to finish a master's in social work, l am doing my master’s in social work, so the support from both tutors and lectures is helpful in achieving this."

Being an international student at NTU

Why did you want to study in the UK?

"I am a home student now; however, my country of birth is Zimbabwe and l migrated to the United Kingdom when l was seventeen years old."

What advice would you give to help new international students get settled in at university?

"Do not isolate yourself. Find a community where you feel accepted, with people who are also going through similar experiences."