“Why did you choose to study at Anglia Ruskin University?
I live in Cambridge and wanted to train as a social worker. I did some research and when I found Anglia Ruskin as a provider of the course, I didn't look any further. I applied only to Anglia Ruskin.

What initially attracted you to your course?
It was an issue about the profession rather than the course for me. I wanted to train and then work as a social worker, so I was looking at the course as something offering me the opportunity to do that. I felt that Anglia Ruskin had a good reputation for this course and I felt happy to entrust them with my training.

I had had a meeting with the course tutor, Judy Hicks, before I formally applied, and she was so positive, supportive and professional that I had no hesitation in applying. My meeting with her was a strong factor behind my decision to apply.

Which aspects of your course do you enjoy most and why?
I have enjoyed all of it. I feel that I have learned a great deal and, as a mature student returning to study after 14 years in the workplace, felt that my critical faculties have been turned on again.

Has the course met/exceeded your expectations? If so, how?
To be honest, I didn't have any expectations because my knowledge and experience of social work was very limited. I just knew that I wanted to train in this field and I looked to the course to provide me with the tools I needed to do so. It has certainly done that, and I feel that it has been one of the factors that has really helped me grow as a person over its duration.

Why would you recommend your course to others?
Yes. I trusted Anglia Ruskin with my training in this area and I would be happy to recommend the same for others.

Please tell us about any links with industry that you have benefited from on your course.
I have worked with a real variety of people in Health and Social Care and have learnt from all of them. I have tried to build networks to support the work I have been doing, but these are tied to the work.

Has your course involved any work placements? If so how were these useful?
The course requires completion of two 100 day placements (one each year). I am nearly thirty days away from the completion of my second and final placement.

These are invaluable to trainee social workers as it is here that you apply the theory and ideas you learn about, as well as demonstrate that you are safe to practice. I was allocated to a placement which both provided me with excellent learning opportunities and meant that I had an excellent practice teachers. In fact, I have been very lucky with both my practice teachers, who were both Anglia Ruskin staff and are both first class.

In my second year placement, I was allocated a placement very quickly and it has provided me with experience and learning opportunities way beyond my expectations.

How do you feel that your studies at Anglia Ruskin will help you in your current job?
It will qualify me to work as a social worker, which is my aim. I feel confident that it has given me the tools to be a success in this demanding field of employment.

What are your ambitions/plans for the future, and how do you feel that your course will help you to achieve these?
I feel that I can proceed in a variety of directions and am genuinely excited about the future. I hope eventually to lecture in social work myself, and of course, a masters qualification will help this.

How do you rate the support offered by both our teaching and support staff?
I have felt well supported throughout the course.

How do you rate our facilities and resources on offer at our campuses?
The classrooms vary but most are well resourced with teaching aids. The library and library resources are excellent and comprehensive. I have used the Students' Union gym and think it is good for the price you pay.

How would you sum up your experience of studying at Anglia Ruskin course so far?
It has been a time of my life that I will only look back on positively.

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