This module aims to provide students with a thorough knowledge and understanding of some of the key concepts of specialist Debt Advice. This second level module builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the level one module. Students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to give advice to people who are experiencing a wide range of complex debt related problems.

The topics which are addressed in some detail in the module include;

? Debt Recovery and the County Court, principally actions in relation to the recovery of money and actions in relation to the recovery of property.
? Debt recovery and the Magistrates Court, including the recovery of financial penalties and Council Tax/Community Charge.
? Debt Recovery and Bailiffs, County Court and Private Bailiffs, including bailiff?s powers and clients rights, costs and complaints.
? Bankruptcy and Insolvency, including Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVA)

1.An assessed on-line seminar (25%) (500 words) 2
and
2. A written assignment of 2000 words (75%) 1, 3 and 4
or
3. A portfolio of students own work 2000 words (75%) 1, 3 and 4

The focus of this award is on a mix of independent as well as directed study, but with opportunities to undertake a range of collaborative work with other participants on line ? for example in preparing advice-related, and transactional tasks.

Contact Hours (30) on this module means on-screen hours engaging with the on screen study materials in the course documents, course information sections of the module.

Independent Study (120) means your on-line and off-line activity, including work in the course documents, course information, and discussion forums and assignments sections of the module. It also includes further relevant background and developmental reading and research. Preparation and engagement with the discussion forums, self-assessment exercises, tasks together with assessment preparation and completion.

The VLE Blackboard will provide a structured framework for the delivery of this module.

Course Information. This section provides students with important module overview information for students.

Course Documents. This contains all the study materials separated into sections, each section being further broken down to contain the module materials and exercises.

Discussion Board: Students through regular engagement in the forums within the discussion board will facilitate interactive, asynchronous discussion on the exercises/tasks, which support and develop through critical analysis, student learning and allow for formative assessment of individual progress.

In some sections there may be no formal assessment of work undertaken, but there will be ?questions? for consideration, or other tasks to complete. Feedback will be provided.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and fellow students using e-mail or the discussion forum and to do so if there are matters needing assistance or support.

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 (whether formally assessed or not) are completed within specified time limits and discussion with other participants may need to be undertaken within specified time frames.
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.

? Access to a PC (with use of CD ROMS) is necessary

? Access to the Internet

? Access to hard-copy formats of texts, materials, and other guidance, such as government information, Explanatory Notes to legislation, etc

Nil

? The Debt Advice Handbook (5th Edition) 2002 (C.P.A.G)