BA (Hons) and MA Social Work Test / Interview information for applicants
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BA (Hons) and MA Social Work Test / Interview information for applicants
The University of East London is the principal social work training provider in east London. We have strong links with local social work agencies and employers, who often offer UEL students newly qualified social worker posts.
Our social work programmes are taught by experts in the field. All teaching staff are professionally qualified and registered social workers, and lectures are lively, highly participative and interactive. We are accredited by the Social Work England to award professional qualifications in social work alongside academic degrees. Qualifying programmes meet government requirements, which include stipulated numbers of supervised practice days in local statutory and voluntary social work agencies.
Test and Interview information
Congratulations on being invited to our admissions day. Please read the following information carefully.
What do I need to know before I arrive?
To confirm or decline your attendance, book a test or interview or to request an alternative date, please log on to your UEL application portal. Please be aware that, due to high demand for a limited number of places on the BA and MA courses, we may not be able to offer an alternative date, so please only request one if you are definitely not able to attend on the date that you have been offered.
Please note that all applicants must first pass our Social Work Test and then if successful you will be required to take our Social Work interview. The dates shown in your portal will include both Social Work Tests and Social Work interviews. Please ensure that the correct appointment booking is chosen when booking your test or interview.
Where does the test and interview take place?
While social distancing measure due to the COVID-10-9 pandemic continue, the test and the interviews and any other processes will be conducted remotely via email, telephone and video conferencing (Microsoft Teams). You will not be required to attend the university in person whilst social distancing measures continue. The following relates to the process once social distancing measures are no longer required.
The test will take place online either via email on a set date and time (instructions will be given) or via a webpage link that you will be given.
What will happen on the day of my test and interview?
While social distancing measure due to the COVID-10-9 pandemic continue, the test and the interviews and any other processes will be conducted remotely via email, telephone and video conferencing (Microsoft Teams). You will not be required to attend the university in person whilst social distancing measures continue. The following relates to the process once social distancing measures are no longer required.
The test will take place online either via email on a set date and time (instructions will be given) or via a webpage link that you will be given.
You will be notified of the result of your test and if you have passed you will be invited to book in for an interview and group task.
You will be interviewed (individually) by a Social Work academic, often together with a stakeholder. Stakeholders include: service users, carers, practitioners and employers. All Interviewers are briefed on the selection process and have a thorough understanding of the relevant entry criteria. The interview will last about 30 minutes.
If you require further information about the interview, please refer to our Admissions handbook. You may find the FAQ section particularly helpful.
Preparation for the interview?
It is strongly recommended that you prepare carefully for your interview for the BA and MA Social Work programmes. You can do this by familiarising yourself with literature and information of relevance to contemporary social work.
Here are some possible sources of information:
- Quality newspapers, for example, The Guardian, The Times
- Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
- The College of Social Work (TCSW)
Suggested reading for the BA Social Work:
- Davies, K. Jones, R. (2016) Skills for Social Work Practice London: Palgrave
- Parker, J. (2020). Introducing Social Work. London: SAGE Learning Matters
- Thompson, N. (2015). Understanding social work. 4th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave
- Thompson, N. (2016). Anti-discriminatory practice: equality, diversity and social justice. 6th ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave
- BASW (2012) Professional Capabilities Framework (accessed 27/7/2020)
- SWE (2019) Professional Standards (accessed on 27/7/2020)
Suggested reading for the MA Social Work
- Collins, P. H. & Bilge, S. (2016). Intersectionality. John Wiley & Sons
- Gay, R. (2014). Bad feminist. Hachette UK.
- Maclean, S. Finch, J, and Tedam, P. (2017) Share: A New Model of Social Work. Kirwin Maclean Associates
- Megele, C. (2015) Psychosocial and Relationship Based Practice. Northwich: Critical Publishing
What will happen after my test and interview?
Your application portal will be updated to let you know if you have been successful or not. If you have been successful, your offer will be made via UCAS together with any conditions which will need to be met before the start of the programme.
Do you have a waiting list for places?
It is usual for us to make waiting list offers once we have made sufficient ‘firm’ offers. You will be advised if your offer is for a waiting list place. We will notify you of this by email, as we cannot make a waiting list offer via UCAS. This is so that you can still apply for a firm place at another institution.
Unfortunately, there is no set deadline by which we could call you and invite you to join the course once you are on our waiting list. It could be as late as at the start of the course, as we have no control over whether an applicant enrols on to the programme.
If you are offered a waiting list place, we will provide you with more information at the time.
Can I re-apply if I am unsuccessful?
We can only accept one application per cycle. However, you are welcome to re-apply for the following year if you have been unsuccessful previously. Please be aware that due to changes in entry requirements and demand for places, you will not necessarily be selected every time, so please ensure that you submit a strong application each time that you apply.
Can I apply during Clearing?
It is rare for the BA or MA courses to still have vacancies at such a late stage, as we accept applications for almost a year in advance of the course start date. However, if there are still places available, the entry requirements remain the same and we do not accept repeat applications from anybody who has been previously unsuccessful during the same cycle, as stated above.
How do I submit documents for my conditional offer?
For the BA and MA Social Work courses, we must see your certificates for any relevant qualifications. You will be asked to upload them via our applicant portal when your conditional offer has been made. We will then retain a certified copy on file.
When is the deadline for meeting my conditions?
These deadlines vary depending on when you submitted your application, when your offer was made, and the conditions you are required to meet. If you are ever concerned that you may not meet one or more of your conditions, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you and give you the appropriate advice and information.
I haven't met my condition, can I still enrol?
It is unlikely, however please do contact us as we can discuss your options with you such as if you have time to pass an alternative level 2 qualification, or if there is an alternative course that you can be offered instead.
Can I defer my offer?
You must hold an unconditional offer with UEL for us to consider your deferral request. If you hold a conditional offer with UEL then we could not defer your offer however we would welcome you making a fresh application via UCAS for the following intake.
We hope you have found this information useful. If you have any further questions, please call 020 8223 3333.
We look forward to seeing you at the interview, and wish you good luck!