探花直播

Margaret Duckhouse: Why I chose to study BSc (Hons) Social Work at BCU

Social workers are key in contributing a change to society, through helping the vulnerable, supporting individuals, and looking after the welfare of those in need. We spoke with Margaret Duckhouse, a current Social Work student, to find out why she chose to study a degree in BSc (Hons) Social Work at BCU.

Why study Social Work?

My decision to study Social Work came after working in the education sector for 18 years. I previously provided support to students with autism and/or learning disabilities and it wasn鈥檛 until I assisted the school鈥檚 safeguarding lead that I decided to change my career path. I thoroughly enjoyed the role and I knew from there that Social Work was an area that I wanted to pursue in a professional capacity.

聽As a 44-year-old single mom with two children, I had many reservations about quitting my job and attending University but despite my excuses, I decided to take the plunge. I applied to study the course through Clearing and was able to use my credits from studying the Access to Higher Education course at Wolverhampton College four years earlier.

My first year on the course

I am now a year into the course and I have already learned so much about Social Work. I have had many opportunities, including the chance to be a part of a project called "", which was facilitated by a member of staff. The purpose of the project was to gather information on the gaps that exist for learning disability carers and identify ways to fix them. This learning experience was truly invaluable as it provided a great opportunity to discuss and work alongside parents, academics, and Social Workers.

聽Other opportunities include shadowing a Social Worker/team in 探花直播. I spent three days with the Mental Health Team, an area I had never previously considered working in but found this very worthwhile. It gave me great insight into the work and commitment that Social Workers undertake every day to ensure the best service and outcomes for their users.

My plans for the future

After I graduate, I would like to work for the Children and Families Court Advisory and Support Service, but I am open to change as I am still learning more about the areas of work available to me聽with a degree in Social Work.

Related Content

Living in 探花直播

First year students Libby and Ethan discuss their experiences of living in 探花直播 for the first time.聽

The difference between school or college and uni

探花直播 vlogger Maro talks through some of the differences you will find between being at school or college to when you start at uni.

Five things I'm most excited about starting university

The run up to starting uni is an exciting one! Maro has just got her place at 探花直播 and is gearing up for a new life moving from London to a new city.

Do you know Brummie slang? - Quiz

Test if you know聽all of听迟丑别听Brummie聽slang to get you through your time in 探花直播!