20/10/2004

'New era' for social work heralded by degree course

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has welcomed what it described as “the start of a new era in social work education”, with the launch of a new degree in social work.

Almost 300 students have already commenced study on the course, taking what is hoped to be their first steps towards a “valuable, rewarding and crucial” career in the Northern Ireland Health and Social Services.

The course is being provided in the two main universities, and also in Institutions of Further and Higher Education, in partnership with Health and Social Services Trusts, the Probation Board and other employers of social workers, and has been approved by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council.

Social work employers in the voluntary sector, HSS Trusts, probation board and education welfare service are working, in partnership with education, to deliver the degree.

The new qualification, set at honours degree level, represents the new entry level qualification for entry to the social work profession. Predecessor qualifications for social work will remain valid for those holding them.

(MB/GMCG)

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