From Law Books to Helping Hands: Stephen Magill's Journey into Social Work

At just 21 years old, Stephen Magill is taking a significant step in his career, pivoting from a law degree to a fulfilling path in social work. Currently studying for a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work through the Relevant Graduate Route (RGR) course at Queen's University Belfast, Stephen is driven by a deep-seated desire to support people and enhance their lives.

Stephen's passion for helping others was nurtured from a young age, inspired by his experiences caring for his ageing grandparents. “I suppose I always loved supporting people in whatever ways I could growing up,” Stephen shares. “I was brought up visiting and helping out with a lot of elderly relatives. I watched my parents looking after their parents and then as I got older I started to help out with my maternal grandmother, and subsequently grandfather.”

While completing his A-levels, Stephen initially pursued a law degree, exceeding his own expectations with his results. Although he enjoyed his legal studies, he felt a strong pull towards a more practical, hands-on career where he could directly support people. Encouraged by his mother, Stephen began to explore social work, discovering the RGR course at Queen’s University. “I hadn’t considered a professional job in social work, but I looked into it after my mum suggested it, and then I got an email about the RGR course. Through my research I found the course at Queen’s and it ticked all my boxes,” he explains.

The RGR route is an intensive two-year course designed for graduates with relevant degrees such as law, sociology, psychology, or criminology. It offers a balanced approach, with students spending half their time in university and the other half gaining invaluable practical experience on placements. Stephen commends the outstanding lecturers at Queen’s for making the course an exceptional experience, as well as the diverse backgrounds of his classmates. “There are students coming from lots of different academic backgrounds, psychology and law degrees and others, who bring so much to the course, as well as those who have already worked in the real world, like in care homes and residential homes. The information they bring to discussions is fascinating and we can learn from everyone’s experiences.”

Having already completed modules such as ‘Introduction to Social Work,’ ‘Law for Social Workers,’ and his favourite, ‘Preparation for Practice Learning’ – which involves engaging role-playing and practical skills – Stephen is eagerly anticipating his first practical placement. This will see him supporting children and young people with learning and physical disabilities. “Most of my informal experience has been with elderly people, so I am looking forward to the challenge of working with young people and those with a disability,” Stephen notes.

With the unwavering support of his peers, lecturers, tutors, and family, Stephen feels confident that pursuing social work is the right decision for him. He elaborates, “With social work, I feel like it’s more hands-on and a direct approach to caring. You’re trying to help people in so many aspects of their life.” While his upcoming placement may open his eyes to new areas, Stephen is particularly hopeful about working with older people or in hospital social work after he qualifies, leveraging his years of informal family care experience. He’s keeping an open mind, eager to discover where his passion for helping others will lead him. “I’m looking forward to helping people and making their lives easier and happier.”