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

Nil

WHICH WILL BE ASSESSED BY

Students will be required to successfully complete,
a) 3 short 200 word essays on a range of related topics (600 words).This represents 25% of the assessment for this module. This will assess learning outcome 2-3
and
b) a written case study based assignment of 2,000 words being 75% of the assessment and addressing 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

The student must achieve an aggregate score of at least 40% overall when part one and two are added together, in order to pass the module.

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

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 (30) 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).

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 `Blackboard'.

The VLE `Blackboard' 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, together with 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 email, telephone, the discussion forums and the bulletin board in the gateway and to do so if there are matters needing assistance and support.

Web-based material will be utilised to support all aspects of the module, providing links to latest Government information and latest case law and legislation.

As this is a distance learning award, participants will need to adopt a disciplined approach to study and work for example by ensuring that activities, tasks and assignments are completed within specified time limits and that discussion with others takes place.

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