This module is designed to provide students with an opportunity to gain a working knowledge of a key aspect of advice work provision in a diverse society; to develop problem solving and use of number skills in the following areas of debt advice:
- A general introduction to debt advice, including attitudes to debt, and reasons for debt;
- A general introduction to systematic debt advice;
- Types of debt and appropriate strategies for tackling them;
- Liability for and prioritisation of debts;
- An understanding of the process of enforcement through the appropriate Courts.

Nb. Students will not be expected to commit large amounts of information to memory, but will be expected to be able to locate relevant sources of information and to apply them.

The content of the module conforms to National Occupational Standard LA 41, and to the CLS Quality Mark Standard for Generalist Help.

A case study assignment (Learning outcomes 1 - 4)

Additional Assessment Details:

In the case study, students will assess, interpret and apply relevant information to a debt advice case scenario

Formative Assessment: Case study examples and discussions will be used in the group sessions to enhance understanding, and, in addition, students will undertake tasks and exercises online, and regular feedback will be given by the module tutor.

Whole group sessions (11x2hrs)

These will be inter-active teaching and learning sessions (100%) which will involve some formal teaching but will rely heavily on case study, worksheets, small group discussion and experiential learning strategies in which students are expected actively to participate.

Independent Study (128 hours) include the following:
Students are expected to prepare for the whole group session by reading preparatory materials and completing exercises when required (10%)

Students are expected to spend time after each whole group session completing exercises, consolidating their learning and ensuring that they fully understand the material (10%)

Students are expected to spend time exploring additional sources of information, (particularly web based), updating their knowledge in line with developments and changes. Material to support the sessions will be available within a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) (50%)

Preparation for and completing the assignment (30%)

A computer with access to the internet

Access Blackboard
Blackboard study skills module SHWSTUDYSKILLS-A

Wolfe, M, 2006, The Debt Advice Handbook, London, C.P.A.G, 7th edition. ISBN 1 901698 88 2