The university reversed the decision to cut our programs. We stopped them. Keep watching to ensure the department gets the support it needs.
June 6, 2017
Final supporters
Following a shocking revelation of Durham University's proposed intentions to discontinue the Masters of Social Work (MSW) and International Social Work and Community Development (ISWCD) courses, we as students have decided to stand together and dispute what we perceive to be a misjudged and unsubstantiated decision.
The university is proposing this decision based on the following factors:
- The relationship of the programmes to the "strategic priorities" for the school
- The uncertain and limited student recruitment environment and
- The financial position of the programme
As students on these courses, we feel that these excuses are unjust and lacking a degree of substantiation. And if they are factually correct, these are easily rectifiable with a little support from the University. We are concerned that this is a Higher Education institution that would appear to be stating that Social Work is no longer an academic priority, which could lead other Universities following suit. What's more, we fear the implications this may have on social work practice. In particular, we worry that Social Work will become increasingly prescribed, and we will lose the flexibility, adaptability, and academic prowess of the vocation.
The courses in question have been pivotal in influencing people's career choices. Graduates give something back to the North-East community, via the excellent Social Workers entering the profession, who have all successfully complete the high quality training at Durham University. Additionally, alumni, and staff, have moved onto fields of work that have been vital outside of the UK, including work with the United Nations, Ebola Recovery Programmes and Social Protection.
Any support you can offer in defence of our respected and influential courses would be greatly appreciated.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 30, 2017
May 20, 2017
100 signatures reached. The university needs to hear us.
Reached 100 supporters
May 19, 2017
163 Comments
From Austria, in solidarity. Social is not something anyone can learn in a year, unless they're only to execute ineffective and inhuman strategies. Without high quality social work education, we will have social sheriffs not social workers.
Solidarity from UEASU with Durham's Social Work students. There is a growing concern nationally with cuts to courses with vast social value. We are currently losing our postgraduate counselling courses - our already strained welfare system will soon be starved of qualifies professionals.
The University's strategy says that it aims to produce 'socially engaged graduates of the highest calibre who enrich society through their employment and role as global citizens'. That's what Durham's Social Work courses do and should be allowed to continue to do.
This seems yet another ill considered and ham-fisted move in a series that started with the precipitous relocation of Medicine, Pharmacy & Health (in which I work) to Newcastle and is proceeding to other acts of academic vandalism.
This programme is an extremely valuable asset to our community and should not be lost! As a local authority foster carer I have had direct contact with graduate social workers from this programme and am very aware the valuable contribution they make to the vulnerable people in our society!
The exact same argument around lack of strategic fit, financial viability and lack of research (this despite all Leics staff being on teaching only contracts!)was used by University of Leicester as justification for the closure of the MASW. The truth seems to be that some University's think they're too 'posh' for social work! Shame on you Durham. As the Independent Chair of an LSCB (Leeds) the potential loss of yet more PG qualified social workers is a cause for great concern, and the price will be paid by the most vulnerable and poorest in our society.
Social work is vital to society and has real impact on the ground and in people's lives - unlike much of Durham University's elitist and ivory tower approach.
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The university reversed the decision to cut our programs. We stopped them. Keep watching to ensure the department gets the support it needs.
June 6, 2017
Final supporters
Following a shocking revelation of Durham University's proposed intentions to discontinue the Masters of Social Work (MSW) and International Social Work and Community Development (ISWCD) courses, we as students have decided to stand together and dispute what we perceive to be a misjudged and unsubstantiated decision.
The university is proposing this decision based on the following factors:
- The relationship of the programmes to the "strategic priorities" for the school
- The uncertain and limited student recruitment environment and
- The financial position of the programme
As students on these courses, we feel that these excuses are unjust and lacking a degree of substantiation. And if they are factually correct, these are easily rectifiable with a little support from the University. We are concerned that this is a Higher Education institution that would appear to be stating that Social Work is no longer an academic priority, which could lead other Universities following suit. What's more, we fear the implications this may have on social work practice. In particular, we worry that Social Work will become increasingly prescribed, and we will lose the flexibility, adaptability, and academic prowess of the vocation.
The courses in question have been pivotal in influencing people's career choices. Graduates give something back to the North-East community, via the excellent Social Workers entering the profession, who have all successfully complete the high quality training at Durham University. Additionally, alumni, and staff, have moved onto fields of work that have been vital outside of the UK, including work with the United Nations, Ebola Recovery Programmes and Social Protection.
Any support you can offer in defence of our respected and influential courses would be greatly appreciated.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 30, 2017
May 20, 2017
100 signatures reached. The university needs to hear us.
Reached 100 supporters
May 19, 2017
163 Comments
I feel to scrap this course will have a massive impact on both the uk and also in other countries. Social workers have a massive responsibility and need to be properly trained and equipped. I don't believe for one moment that a Fast Track course can train anyone properly to work in this field.
From Austria, in solidarity. Social is not something anyone can learn in a year, unless they're only to execute ineffective and inhuman strategies. Without high quality social work education, we will have social sheriffs not social workers.
Solidarity from UEASU with Durham's Social Work students. There is a growing concern nationally with cuts to courses with vast social value. We are currently losing our postgraduate counselling courses - our already strained welfare system will soon be starved of qualifies professionals.
The University's strategy says that it aims to produce 'socially engaged graduates of the highest calibre who enrich society through their employment and role as global citizens'. That's what Durham's Social Work courses do and should be allowed to continue to do.
This seems yet another ill considered and ham-fisted move in a series that started with the precipitous relocation of Medicine, Pharmacy & Health (in which I work) to Newcastle and is proceeding to other acts of academic vandalism.
This programme is an extremely valuable asset to our community and should not be lost! As a local authority foster carer I have had direct contact with graduate social workers from this programme and am very aware the valuable contribution they make to the vulnerable people in our society!
The exact same argument around lack of strategic fit, financial viability and lack of research (this despite all Leics staff being on teaching only contracts!)was used by University of Leicester as justification for the closure of the MASW. The truth seems to be that some University's think they're too 'posh' for social work! Shame on you Durham. As the Independent Chair of an LSCB (Leeds) the potential loss of yet more PG qualified social workers is a cause for great concern, and the price will be paid by the most vulnerable and poorest in our society.
Social work is vital to society and has real impact on the ground and in people's lives - unlike much of Durham University's elitist and ivory tower approach.
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I feel to scrap this course will have a massive impact on both the uk and also in other countries. Social workers have a massive responsibility and need to be properly trained and equipped. I don't believe for one moment that a Fast Track course can train anyone properly to work in this field.