Social Work Dissertation
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| SOCW4001 | Social Work | 4 | 60 | Full Year UK |
- Code
- SOCW4001
- School
- Social Work
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 60
- Semesters
- Full Year UK
Summary
The module encourages students to critically engage with fundamental questions at the heart of social science research and their impact on social work practice. Research has a new prominence within social work and social care and this module:
- Points to the importance of 'evidenced-based' research for the social work profession.
- Develops a critical understanding of the range of research informing social work practice, including practitioner research.
- Stresses why social work practice needs to be grounded in social research.
- Involves students in the process of formulating research plans.
- Requires students to engage with the electronic resources which are available at the Hallward Library.
- Focuses on the research methods, which will be central to the completion of the dissertation.
- Explores issues related to the ethics of social research.
Target Students
Only available for MA Social Work students studying SOCW4011 Understanding Research for Social Work.
Co-requisites
Modules you must take in the same academic year, or have taken in a previous year, to enrol in this module:
Classes
Students are offered regular meetings with their dissertation supervisor.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework: 12,000 words.
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The educational aims of the module are to ensure that student participants: • Understand key aspects of research methods, use of information technology and literature surveymethods.• Engage in self-directed learning and management of own research activities inorder to produce a dissertation against agreed timescales. • Utilise and critically evaluate theoretical models, methods, policies and law in their chosen field of study.Learning Outcomes
Through their dissertation work, student participants will have demonstrated competence in:
Knowledge and Understanding Values, Practice Skills
• Utilising research methods in the planning and implementation of the dissertation proposal and work plan.
• Reviewing and critically evaluating existing research literature in light of social work values, including recognition that research may overlook the perspectives of minority groups.
• Recognising that research activity must grapple with a range of ethical questions.
• Understanding the complexity of social work practice.
Transferable Skills
• Working independently and making constructive use of consultation and supervision.
• Utilising and critically evaluating extensive and up to date knowledge of theoretical models, methods, policies and law in their chosen field.