Durham University Student Social Workers in Solidarity

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.

I am writing separately to the Vice Chancellor to oppose this proposal.

I am a social work PhD student in Durham - what are you doing?!! Stand up for ethics and humanitarian change rather than following the money!!!

Cannot believe they are seriously considering this. Students we have had over the last 15 years have been outstanding.

So sad to hear that this excellent programme is closing. It will be a huge miss to the North East and the social work profession.

The SW program at Durham is internationally recognized, and makes an invaluable contribution to the quality of the social welfare workforce within the UK and beyond. The UK still recruits social work graduates from other countries, pointing to a possible shortage of social workers in the country. It makes no sense to close a quality program that that enhance the national social and health care systems. Durham has internationally acclaimed educators, some of whom like Lena Dominelli has consistently brought honor to the SW program at Durham through her original research and publications, which are used in many social work programs across the globe. The SW program at Durham, through its outreach and student field placements serve local agencies and communities and contributes to practice informed research. The proposed closure of the program constitutes a gross injustice.

These programs are highly respected by universities across the globe, dropping them will diminish Durham University and potentially drop your rankings. How can your "priorities" not include programs that deal with community building in a global society during this very challenging point in history???

I'm an emeritus professor of the University of Maryland (USA). I was a visiting faculty at MSW and SWCD programs at Durham University in 2005. I selected Durham University for my sabbatical as it was a premiere usocial work program in UK. It will not be in the public good and very short-sighted, like the Brexit vote, to close these programs at a time pf social instability in the UK and the world.

Knowledge is imperative combined with experience is essential for effective practice

Totally agree with this. will forward this onto the rest of our faculty in Social work.

Needed now more than ever. Please reconsider.

It is disappointing that Durham University do not consider social work, a vital, difficult, and under-appreciated vocation, to be one of the 'strategic priorities' of the faculty. Along with much else in Durham University's strategy for development, this suggests that the University does not have a social conscience. This is a huge disappointment and upset to those of us in the university who do. Please reconsider this decision and how it reflects on and impacts social work as a career sector - an area we should value more, not less.

I just signed this petition for keeping MA Social Work Studies in Durham going on. I enjoyed a very good time in MA Social Work studuies from my point of view as an international social work student. The MA degree laid my theoretical foundation for social work and broadened my horizon and vision of international social work. Durham University is one of top universities in the U.K., and in the world. Durham is famous for its academic integrity and democracy; and it is open for more international social workers to get the learning opportunity in this university with a very good reputation. I do hope this degree will be keeping going in Durham. Thank you for reading!

There has never been more need for courses that educate people for a career in social action and social justice. Durham University has a long tradition as a place of intelligence and educational excellence. It would be a mistake to compromise that reputation by falling in with the neoliberal agenda of silencing those who do not conform, and who insist on the value of human connection over financial gain.

The continuance of this MA social work programme is vital: to graduates in the NE wishing to make a valuable, skilled contribution to their communities; to users of services in that area; and to the life of the university - social work students contribute a high level of critical and reflective thinking, ability to relate to people in diverse circumstances, and an exceptional awareness of issues of social justice. This contributes to a good society.

Why target social work?!

what a awful thing to happen

This would be another nail in the coffin of professional social work. Good luck with your resistance. There really is no alternative.

Well done Durham students for having the principles and the courage to stand up for social work education!