Orsolya Torok reflects on her learning journey and experiences of studying the BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families Top up degree.
When I moved to the UK from Hungary, I did not imagine that I would ever enrol on any course – my initial purpose was to gain employment and build up my life in a new country.
I started to work as a supported living worker with adults with learning disabilities. The new challenges and the aspiration to empower the supported individuals to live their chosen life as full as possible made me realize that I had to extend my knowledge on an academic level.
I contacted several universities to find out about my options, the most positive and supportive response I received was from the University of Worcester. My previous qualification – I had completed a teacher training course in Hungary several years ago – was not fully recognised in the United Kingdom, but I was invited to the University to discuss my options.
My application was accepted to study the Integrated Working with Children and Families BA (Hons) Top-up Degree.
The modules are carefully constructed in order to thoroughly prepare the students for future challenges that they may face during their professional career. The knowledgeable lecturers deliver highly informative and thought-provoking lectures and also fully support their students’ professional and personal development. Initially I was concerned about being a mature student who speaks English as a second language but these feelings soon disappeared: the available facilities and support for students are exceptional.
What I particularly enjoyed in the course was the work with my peers – with various professional backgrounds and experiences – that enabled me to examine cases from different aspects, therefore exercise reflective practice and deepen my knowledge.
Having completed the course my future plans have significantly changed: I have decided to continue with my studies. Based on my experience at the University of Worcester there was no question where I would like to study towards a master’s degree: I successfully applied to study Social Work in September 2020 at Worcester.
