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Clearing enables student to take the first step towards a career in social work

Posted Friday 4 August 2017

Clearing enables student to take the first step towards a career in social work

Jennifer Chiamaka Ugo has always had an interest in nursing and social work but an application to Kingston University through Clearing allowed her to develop an interest in working with children and has even paved the way towards a masters degree.

The 23 year old student from Woolwich missed the deadline for applying to university, but when friends told her Kingston University was the best in London, she looked online and got in contact through the Clearing Hotline to secure her place. "The hotline staff were really helpful and fast to reply," she explained. "They were understanding and patient, and got me an interview immediately."

Since starting her course, Jennifer said she'd loved the supportive environment at Kingston University. "An initial challenge lay in adapting my style of writing for coursework, but tutors were there to lend a helping hand and I've also had a lot of guidance from library staff," she added.

A photo of social work student Jennifer Ugo.After her degree, Jennifer Ugo hopes to go on to study for a postgraduate qualification in social work.Jennifer's course highlight has been the opportunity to analyse and develop personal skills. Before starting her degree she wasn't enthusiastic about taking a module entitled ‘developing the personal and professional self'. Happily, though, she said that she'd found that having the time to understand herself first, before working with others, had been a new and invaluable experience.

As well as her thriving academic career, Jennifer, who is of Nigerian descent, has become an active member of both the Nigerian and Church societies at the University. "There are so many chances to explore your interests," she said.

Having settled into her course, Jennifer has realised her undergraduate degree is just the first step in her academic journey. She plans to undertake a masters degree in social work once she has completed her course.

Jennifer advised anyone thinking of applying through Clearing not to give up. "Try your best to sell yourself and keep trying until you get what you want," she said.

Course leader Susan Watson agrees that commitment is something admissions tutors look for in Clearing applicants. "We recognise our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and it's this diversity that creates a rich learning environment here at Kingston University," she said. "As important as previous experience and qualifications are, on this course we also look for passion and determination."

  • Find out about studying social work or social care at Kingston University via Clearing.
  • Kingston University's hotline number for Clearing, confirmation and adjustment is 0800 0483 334 for callers in the UK. Calls are free from a landline. Mobile charges may apply - please check with your provider. Students calling from overseas should dial +44 (0)20 8328 1149.
  • The lines will be open weekdays between 9am and 5pm (Fridays 9am and 4.30pm) from now until 29 September. The hotline will be closed on Bank Holiday 28 August.

Categories: On campus, Staff, Students

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