Oink

It wasn't a dig, although it might have been worded less flippantly. I was just giving you a bit of advice based on a lot of experience in HE. I've seen so many well-meaning and earnest women who have degrees, especially masters degrees in social work become disillusioned because they can't get employment in that field, mainly there aren't many jobs but also they're in the wrong demographic.

Teal

Oink, in honesty I don't really have an issue with your post, I just found it odd that someone else's was deleted so quickly that didn't (to me at least) seem that bad... I appreciate the advice... are you referring to social work in the UK or in Canada? or both? I don't necessarily want to work as a social worker, its what the clinical training enables me to do. I actually want to work in youth/family counselling, but find a lot of barriers when it comes to studying it here in the UK at masters level, and in Canada it seems more accessible, but I have the problem of not fulfilling one of the pre-requisites for admission. Which is frustrating to say the least.

Oink

Pre-requisites are a way for institutions/professions to ration access. Unfortunately they are hoops that you'll simply have to jump through if you want to go in that direction. While the former applies, probably even more so, but have you thought about school counselling, especially at the secondary level?

Depending on what they are, you maybe able to fulfill those pre-requisties at a local community college for a reasonable cost.

Teal

That's the exact line of work I had in mind when I started studying to get my undergrad in Psychology... I have looked at school psychology, at a number of different uni's in Canada, as well as Master of counselling programs, and it seems that all require undergrad courses in counselling. They ask for undergrad in behavioural theory, research stats etc, which I have in spades, but no 'intro to counselling courses'. I tried to get some clarification from UBC regarding one of their counselling programs and they said as long as course pre-requisites were complete before you submit an application you will be considered.

But I was sat left thinking, I can't take those courses from here in the UK, there isn't anything that seems to parallel with them I can take here. So, I wrote it off. It's a very different system to what we have here, quite confusing. I was told my grade was more than sufficient, and the other courses on my degree, just that one area.

There is an option with the UofC to study a foundation in school psychology, but I'd have no idea if that fulfils requirements for a study permit or not. Then I'd be on another study permit for the actual masters program that follows. It's very confusing.

Teal

This quote is from SFU in Vancouver, but all the other courses I've looked at mirror this to an extent.. and it has me so confused... Oink if you can shed any light on this, I'd appreciate it.

As a psychology major, you will only need to complete a course in counselling skills (EDUC 423 or equivalent) provided that the completion of coursework in developmental, cognitive and social psychology and research methodology was required for your degree. An undergraduate course in counselling theories (EDUC 323 or equivalent) is strongly recommended but not required for applicants with majors in psychology. Please note that at some institutions, including Simon Fraser University, the Counselling Theories course (EDUC 323) is a prerequisite for the Counselling Skills course (EDUC 423). Applicants are responsible for completing all undergraduate prerequisites required by their home institution.

Oink

Firstly, my guess is the EDUC is designation for the education department so the courses are run out of it.

Secondly, the EDUC 323 undergrad course is to ensure you have some counselling knowledge as the EDUC 423 is probably built on it. The key phrase is "or equivalent" somehow you'll have to either convince the institution that you are applying to, that a UK course or module you completed is "equivalent" (go and talk to someone at your UK institution about making a case for it to be considered) or just take EDUC 323 or similar in a Canadian institution once you've arrived. One way you could do it, is take it as a "continuing student" or whatever they call it. Meaning you're not really matriculated but you're taking it out of interest. You'll have to go a see or talk to the prof of that course and convince them to let you take it but shouldn't be too hard given your background.


If all this is predicated on a student visa, why not try apply for a degree that doesn't require specific prerequisites and then simply take that EDUC course as an elective and then change degrees once the class is completed.

The numbers loosely designate the year of study, 100,200, 300 level etc.

ps When I applied to grad school I had to have completed "Advanced Econometrics" before they would consider my application but before you could take that course, you had to have completed beginning and intermediate econometrics plus a couple of specific math courses. Its all designed for the flow or continuity of the North American higher education system. It disadvantages students that haven't been through the system. That said, there are a lot foreign students in grad programmes so it can be done with some tenacity.

Does this help or do you need more clarification?

Teal

Thanks, its cleared it up a little. But the thing I am struggling to understand is how I can come to Canada and study a pre-req course or change degree programs. We covered lots of counselling theory, therapeutic interventions in my undergrad, however, I took no course that was specifically titled counselling skills etc. I did cover a lot in abnormal psych, which I studied 4 courses worth over 2 years.

Tricky. This was the reasoning for going towards social work, as the admission requirements are less tricky, and I could have specialised in clinical social work, and when looking at role profiles, it stated often employed in schools and engaged in counselling practice etc. I will do some more digging around and see if I can get some advice from some of the uni's that run the programs.

Thanks for your help, it's just strange to me, with UK programs they are very much set in stone, you don't take courses as such off your own back, so its confusing reading all this info about pre-reqs electives etc and then add in the confusion of a study permit and satisfying requirements for that too!

Oink

Its because American and by extension Canadian, undergraduate programs are designed to provide a liberal broad-based education that is meant to produce ideal citizens whereas the UK model is designed to focus and specialize. While there’s a lot more choice of courses its done within a specific framework, I went to a pretty prestigious US uni for ungrad and I had to take badminton, golf, tennis and tenpin bowling.

Teal

I am going to contact some uni's and try and speak to someone who deals directly with international students. I've had some broad responses back for the counselling/psych courses and great responses for the social work programs.

Oink

Get a description of the courses/modules you have completed and maybe a letter from your tutor explaining the content. Then submit that as the "equivalent" evidence. Good luck.

Stinkypup

Premium members certainly aren't able to take liberties- god know I've tried and get castrated every time

Teal

Hahaa OK. I believe you!

Oink. Thanks again! And will do!

Stinkypup

Have you looked at UBCO for courses?- Kelowna is cheaper to live in than Vancouver but is still pricey- the Uni is good though and you could live up the valley as UCBO is on the North End of Town - our end- we are in Vernon area. Employment is tricky here though, def more opportunities in Calgary or Vanvegas but not impossible

JonboyE

Once you have been castrated though you are in the clear and can take as many liberties as you like. What are they going to do?

Stinkypup

Sadly they keep on coming back for more... they are cruel and heartless