Is a PgDip Social Work seen as a failed MA by employers?

(7 Posts)
poorincashrichinlove Mon 21-Sep-15 11:57:28

I'm considering not doing the dissertation on my MA Social work course, so I would graduate with a PgDip, which would still qualify me to register with the HCPC. However, I'm worried that potential employers would view my PgDip unfavourably compared to MA and BA graduates.

I have 2 primary age DCs and work part-time (evenings and weekends). I have what I think is a good idea for a research based dissertation, but I feel so completely overwhelmed by it all. I am meeting with my supervisor this week, but haven't managed to come up with much of a draft for her to give me feedback on.

If there are any Social worker/Managers or academics that could advise me if I would be giving myself a disadvantage or not by not doing a dissertation even though I have a BSc. and have had a paper published in a peer reviewed academic journal I'd really like to hear from you.

OP’s posts: |
hatgirl Mon 21-Sep-15 12:06:47

No one will give a shiny shit what your social work qualification is as other than you grin

if it bothers you personally though have you asked if it would be a possible option to do the dissertation as a separate module at later date to 'upgrade' from one to the other?

JimmyGreavesMoustache Mon 21-Sep-15 12:10:57

I have a PGDipSW - I relocated to the other end of the country and started fulltime work so the dissertation didn't quite get off the ground
No-one has ever asked what qualification I have - they're only interested that I'm a HCPC registered professional.

I feel like a bit of a wally that I was a quick 12000 words away from an MA and didn't do it, but it doesn't keep me awake at night.

poorincashrichinlove Mon 21-Sep-15 12:58:08

I realise I'm probably blowing this way out of proportion. I've just emailed my supervisor ahead of our meeting to let her know the situation.

OP’s posts: |
RandomSocks Tue 22-Sep-15 20:10:11

If you have a good idea for a research-based qualification, I would encourage you to try to work out how you can do it, rather than settling for diploma.

Doing the dissertation will give you a more standard qualification, which could be useful at some point in the future.

My friend who did a masters was allowed a much longer period to submit the dissertation. Could that be an option for you?

IamtheDevilsAvocado Wed 23-Sep-15 08:58:35

I worked i social services dept... No one seemed to be bothered or discussed how people came to be qualified!

housinghelp101 Tue 07-Jan-20 17:34:00

Can I ask does a PgDip SW enable you to be a social worker? I have a social science degree and master s, would the diploma be enough?

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