From further education to higher education: social work students' experiences of transition to an ancient research-led university

Cree, V.E., Hounsell, J., Christie, H., McCune, V. and Tett, L. (2009) From further education to higher education: social work students' experiences of transition to an ancient research-led university. Social Work Education, 28(8), pp. 887-901. (doi: 10.1080/02615470902736741)

Abstract

In 2004, as part of its initiative to widen access, a Scottish university offered places for the first time to a group of students coming from further education (FE) colleges with Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs). A longitudinal study has followed the experiences of transition and subsequent progression of this cohort of students. The study, entitled 'From FE to HE' has interviewed and surveyed 45 students at key points since 2004. This paper reports on findings from the study overall, giving particular attention to the views and experiences of the nine Social Work students within the cohort. It will be argued that whilst FE colleges provide considerable support for their students, there is no easy transition to an ancient, research-led university such as this one. The findings of this study have implications for all those involved in social work education.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McCune, Dr Velda
• Authors: Cree, V.E., Hounsell, J., Christie, H., McCune, V., and Tett, L.
• Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Social Justice Place and Lifelong Education
• Journal Name: Social Work Education
• ISSN: 0261-5479
• ISSN (Online): 1470-1227
• Published Online: 01 December 2009