Speculation is growing that the bursaries available to support student social workers on traditional undergraduate and postgraduate courses in England may go the same way as nurse bursaries, which are due to be abolished next year.
The government’s recent announcement that it plans to make the Frontline graduate development programme a national scheme – where trainees receive a salary instead of a bursary – has only increased suspicion among those delivering the courses.
John Cater, vice-chancellor of Edge Hill University, Lancashire, which offers both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, admits: “I think it’s quite likely that bursaries could go.”
Cater says the current system in England is confusing and complex, with students often unclear whether they qualify for financial support. But, he adds: “The issue will be where this money goes instead – whether it goes into a hardship fund or disappears.”
Under the existing scheme in England, a bursary is available only to undergraduates in their second and third years. In 2015-16, it was worth £4,862 outside London, rising to £5,262 in the capital. Students have to pay tuition fees.
The postgraduate bursary was £3,362 (£3,762 in London) for first and second years, with an additional £4,052 contribution towards tuition fees.
In 2015, the Department of Health made 2,600 undergraduate bursaries available in England and individual universities were allocated a quota. The same principle applied to the 1,500 postgraduate bursaries.
In Wales, the undergraduate bursary is worth £2,500 a year for up to three years. Postgraduate students receive £6,640 a year for up to two years. Again, tuition fees have to be paid.
In Scotland, a bursary will cover the tuition fees of postgraduate students; a means-tested maintenance grant is available, too. Tuition fees are also paid for Scottish undergraduate students studying the social work degree course. A means-tested bursary, not exclusive to social work, is another option.
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