The assessment for this module will comprise the following;

30 credits
A Dissertation with a word length of 7500. This represents 100% of the assessment for this module and addresses learning outcomes 1 to 6.

This module involves the application of the skills and knowledge gained through using research to inform advice work practice to an independent piece of work on a topic chosen by the student, undertaken through a survey of literature and/or secondary data, and related to advice work practice. The module content includes:

- The application of social welfare and research ethics;
- Defining a research problem;
- The application of techniques for surveying existing literature, knowledge and research evidence on a topic of interest - using literature, Internet and secondary sources;
- Analysis of secondary data, both qualitative and quantitative;
- The application of ensuing knowledge to policy and practice in Advice Work;
- Evaluating previous research in the light of theoretical and methodological issues in Advice Work;
- Dissertation and report writing.

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

Contact Hours (50) on this module means your on-screen hours engaging with the online study materials contained within the `Course Information', `Course Documents' and sections of the module virtual learning environment (VLE).

Independent Study (250) means on-line and off-line activity including research design and development, working within the discussion forums, conducting 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/guidance material necessary to complete the module together with two key tasks which are designed to provide students with structured feedback for tutors. 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.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and their fellow students using email, telephone and the discussion forums and to do so if there are matters needing assistance and support. This module incorporates a full support day, where students attend University and receive individual targeted support towards the successful completion of their dissertation.

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.

- A computer capable of accessing the internet
- Key texts

You will need access to one of the following texts:

Allison, B. (2004) The students guide to preparing dissertations and theses, London, Routledge Falmer.
Anderson, J. (2001) Assignment & thesis writing, Chichester, Wiley.
Swetnam, D. (2000) Writing your dissertation, how to plan, prepare and present successful work, Oxford