You will need access to the following text:

Wolfe [2010] Debt Advice Handbook, Child Poverty Action Group, 9th Edition

- Computer with Internet access
- Access to Key text

The focus of this module is on a mix of independent as well as directed study.

Contact Hours (30) on this module 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 (120) 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.

The VLE will provide a structured environment for progressing through this module. The `Course Information' section contains essential module information, the award handbook, the module descriptor and a section, which contains the aims and objectives of the module. The `Course Documents' section contains all the study material necessary to complete the module. Within the communication section there are a number of forums, which will enable interactive, asynchronous discussion, which supports student learning and allows for formative assessment of individual progress.

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 (500 words) being 30% of the assessment which contributes to learning outcome 1
AND
b) a written case study based assignment of 1500 words being 70% of the assessment and contributes to 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

In order to pass this module students must achieve a minimum grade point 2 in each assessment component and an average grade point 4 overall.

None