You will need access to the following text:

- Debt Advice Handbook (5th Edition), Wolfe M & Ivison J,. London. CPAG. ISBN 1901698475
- Welfare Benefits, Handbook, CPAG ISBN 1901698416

- Computer with Internet access and a CD Rom drive
- Access to Key text

The focus of this award is on a mix of independent as well as directed study. There is an opportunity to undertake a range of collaborative work with other participants on-line.

Contact Hours (40) on this module this means your on-screen hours engaging with the online study materials contained within the `Course Information', `Course Documents' `Communication' and `Assignments' sections of the module virtual learning environment (VLE) and assessed seminar.

Independent Study (110) means on-line and off-line activity including working on tasks/exercises/activities and within the discussion forums, relevant background/supplementary reading, and assessment preparation and completion.

This module will be delivered by the use of a VLE `Blackboard'.

This module aims to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of Money Advice and Debt Counselling; the causes of debt and liability for debt. Students will also gain the necessary skills to be able to give basic advice to people who are experiencing debt problems. Topics to be covered, in line with the CLS Quality Mark Standard for Generalist Help, include:

- An analysis and exploration of the causes of debt in society
- A knowledge and understanding of liability for debt
- An exploration of the variety of options available to clients of maximising income
- How to identify priority debts where there is multiple debt, e.g. Mortgage, Rent Arrears, Tax; National Insurance; VAT; Fines; Child Support and Maintenance; Benefit Overpayments, Social Fund
- How to identify non priority debts e.g. Charge cards; credit cards; overdrafts; mail order catalogues; social fund loans; rental agreements
- An understanding of the relevant debt management strategies e.g. informal and voluntary arrangements; moratoriums; write off; administrative orders; bankruptcy.
- A knowledge and understanding of financial statement construction and development

a) an assessed seminar (30%) which contributes to learning outcome 1
and
b) a written case study based assignment of 2,000 words being 70% of the assessment and contributesto learning outcomes 1-5

Formative Assessment - Tutor feedback will be provided via the online seminar discussion forums and also during the module via email and telephone responses to tasks and exercises.

The learning outcomes assessed by this module will satisfy CLSQMS requirements 11, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8

Students must pass both elements of assessment in order to pass this module.