1. Demonstrate critical knowledge of social policy as an academic discipline and political response to need and welfare (sg 2,3,7) (Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Critically analyse the major contextual factors which influence social policy development and operation (sg 1,3,9) (Analysis, Enquiry)

3. Identify, discuss and evaluate the nature of modern social need and problems (sg 4,6,7,9)
(Analysis, Enquiry)

4. Engage in critical debate to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of social policies in addressing a range of social needs and problems (sg 4,6,7,9) (Problem Solving)

Access to a PC with internet access, including email
Blackboard

Poster (800 Words) and presentation (maximum 15 minutes )weighted at 100%.
contributes to all learning outcomes

Formative Assessment - Tutor feedback will be provided from the tutor and from online peer discussion, in particular via the online seminar discussion forums and via email and telephone responses to tasks and exercises.

Alcock, P (2008) Social Policy in Britain, Hampshire, Palgrave Mcmillan
Baldock, Mitton, Manning, Vickerstaff Ed: [4th Edition] (2012) Social Policy, Oxford, Oxford University Press
Richardson J, Ryder A (2012) Gypsies and Travellers: Empowerment and inclusion in British society, Bristol, The Policy Press
Because this module focuses on contemporary social policy issues websites, social media and recent reports will be useful.

This is a distance learning award, and the Blackboard VLE will provide a structured framework for the delivery of this module.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (5 hours)
2 hours - Telephone tutorials with the tutor
3 hours - Scheduled discussion boards

Guided Independent Study: (295 hours) This will be made up of:
Preparation for tasks and online discussions and seminars; Wider reading including exploring additional sources of information, (particularly web based), updating their knowledge in line with developments and changes
Reading study materials, asynchronous online seminars, interactive tasks
Preparation for and completing the assignment

This module will cover a range of contemporary social policy issues relating to social welfare law. The module will explore the political and academic discourse of social policy. The module content is dynamic and fast moving but will typically include topics that impact on a range of vulnerable people, for example:
Welfare Reform
Access to Legal Services
Affordable Housing
Measurements of Poverty
Food Poverty/Funeral Poverty