Module handbook
Access to appropriate texts and journals
I.T facilities including access to www
Access to virtual learning - Blackboard

This module provides an introduction to some of the main areas of welfare law and advice which might be encountered by those working in human services. In particular:

Identification of entitlement to the main welfare benefits and tax credits.
Knowledge of law and principles underpinning debt advice.
Overview of immigration law and the rights of asylum seekers and refugees.
Introduction to housing related rights and homelessness legislation.

The focus of this module is on a mix of face to face contact and online and independent study. It will be partly delivered in `Blackboard? (the virtual learning environment).

Contact hours (24)
These will be weekly or fortnightly face to face tutorials to consolidate your online learning. The tutorials will consist of practical workshops using examples and case studies.

Independent study (126 hours)
This means both on-line and off-line activity including working on tasks/exercises/activities, using the discussion forums, relevant background/supplementary reading and assessment preparation and completion.

This also includes your on-screen hours engaging with the on-line materials. It is estimated that you would spend approximately an hour on each section of the study materials.

The VLE `Blackboard? will provide a structured environment for progressing through this module. The `Course Information? section contains information about the module, including the module descriptor, and instructions on how to progress through the module. The `Course Documents? section contains all the study material, together with some activities associated with this material. Within the `Communications? 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.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and their fellow students using e-mail, telephone, and the discussion forums.

Web-based material may be utilised to support the module, providing links to useful websites.

An assignment of 2500 words comprising three questions, weighted as follows:

Question 1 on Benefits, learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 max words 1250 50%
Question 2 on Debt, learning outcomes 4,5 max words 750 30%
Question 3 on Immigration & Asylum and Housing, learning outcomes 6,7, 8 max words 500 20%

You will need access to one of the following texts:

The course material will generally be sufficient; however, the following texts provide useful extra reading resources:

CPAG (revised annually) Welfare Benefits and Tax Credits Handbook, London Disability Rights Handbook (revised annually), Disability Alliance

Wolfe, M & Ivison J 4th edition, The Debt Advice Handbook London, CPAG (2000)

Randall G Housing Rights Guide, Shelter (latest edition)

AND HAVE PASSED THESE PRE-REQUISITES - All level 1 modules