A new partnership between the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Kelvin College will increase opportunities for students in North and East Glasgow to work in the social services.
It creates a new accelerated admissions route for those who complete the College’s Social Services and Childhood Practice HNC qualifications to enter at third year of Strathclyde’s BA Education and Social Services.
The BA, offered within the University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, prepares students to take on vital frontline roles in settings combining education, health and social services.
Past graduates have gone on to secure roles in advocacy, social care, early years education, housing support and addictions across the public, private and third sectors.
Adding to agreements already in place with Glasgow Clyde College and New College Lanarkshire, the partnership with Glasgow Kelvin expands the reach of the University’s partnership routes into North and East Glasgow – areas containing some of the UK’s most deprived postcodes.
Programme Leader Caroline Hutchison says the new admissions route will create greater opportunities for graduates to work in roles tackling societal need while easing the transition between Further and Higher Education.
“We want to increase opportunities for people from every background,” says Caroline. “For some students and their families, this marks a milestone as they're the first in their family to progress to university, which is celebrated as a huge accomplishment.
“These students often under-estimate their capabilities and fail to recognise the wealth and depth of knowledge and skills they have to offer. Partnerships like this one give both College and University staff a better set of tools to manage that transition and help these students achieve their potential.”
Jennifer McKay, Curriculum Manager at Glasgow Kelvin College, also welcomed the news, highlighting the benefits to social services staff of degree-level education.
“Many local and national care organisations are currently struggling to fill posts in social services. As a result, there is a bigger pull for potential students into employment rather than gaining qualifications.
“But graduates with a BA can potentially gain a more fruitful career in the sector and are better able to progress and specialise. Partnerships between institutions play an important role in encouraging students to remain in education.
“Another benefit is to streamline the process for our students who have, up until now, had to complete a Diploma elsewhere before applying to the BA at Strathclyde. This will make things more seamless for them."
The BA Education and Social Services has been developed as a response to the Scottish Government’s calls for better integration and communication between difference services in health, education, social work and social care.
A major aim of the degree is to help those working social services to develop the leadership qualities and skills required to provide more joined-up and user-focused services that meet the needs of children, young people and adults.
In addition to academic study, students undertake multiple work placements in a range of organisations in the fields of education and social services.
As well as bolstering the skills of those working at the frontline of social need, Caroline emphasises that the BA welcomes a number of students who have taken less typical routes to University.
“Former students in the past have commented that, as the first generation in their family to go to University, they feel they have then become future role models to their own children.
“Many are mature students who have raised families, gained significant work experience in social services and now realise this is the time to develop the promise and potential within them.”