From Further Education to Higher Education: Social Work Students' Experiences of Transition to an Ancient, Research‐Led University

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.