Name:
Shania Mulgrew
Age:
23
Where are you from (city, town)?
Limavady
Previous Education before you came to NWRC?
I had previously completed my GCSE’s at Limavady Grammar School.
Why did you choose to study at NWRC instead of doing A-Levels?
I decided to study Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care at NWRC, as I knew I wanted to go into Social Work. This course was a coursework-based subject along with placements embedded within the course. I had a lot of flexibility around work, as the course was 3 days a week. This meant I was able to continue at my part-time job along with studying.
Tell me about your course at NWRC.
I completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care. The course allowed me to extend not only my knowledge within modules but enhanced my practical skills as I was able to complete a placement during studying, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I was able to gain the experience needed. Within the course, I completed modules such as safeguarding children and adults and promoting independence, developing effective communication, equality, diversity and rights, values and planning, and personal and professional development. I thoroughly enjoyed the personal and professional development, as it allowed you to be critical of your practical skills and knowledge and allowed me to be reflective in my practice.
Did you take part in any work-based learning/work placements as part of your course?
Yes, my course consisted of a work placement. I had limited experience with Special Needs. I was able to request a Special Needs placement to enhance my knowledge and skills, as I had previous experience with children and adults. With the experience I had, this really set me up for University, as they were able to see the experience I had which I was able to expand on how I was able to promote best practice.
What did you do afterwards?
I went to Liverpool Hope University to study BA(Hons) social work, which is a 3 / 4 year course, with 2 placements throughout, one is 70 days and the final is 100 days. I am currently in my final placement, working with families & Children. With previous placement opportunities with NWRC, I feel I was confident to go into placement as a professional as NWRC had equipped me with the skills throughout my course.
Would you recommend this course to other students?
I could not recommend the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care enough. The course really focuses on knowledge and skills, and places great focus on personal and professional development, which is an important module within University. This course was a foundation level for a social work degree. As it focuses on content that is required for a degree, I was able to focus and go into depth in the theory and practice of social work. I was able to gain key skills and qualities of the social work degree before commencing my undergraduate degree. The tutors/ lectures are more than helpful and really want the best for you. NWRC supports you with UCAS, writing a personal statement, interviews, and ensuring students get all the necessary experience needed. I was also able to complete other modules and training alongside the course within NWRC such as ICT, social enterprise Manual handling, first aid, and AED training. I believe if I did not choose to study at NWRC I would have not gotten into Social Work, for not only the modules but for the constant support from my Lectures Judith, Rosie, Mary, and Willie.
