1. On completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate critical evaluation of research evidence related to a current issue.

PCF 5. 7. 4
Professional Standards: 4.4,

Enquiry
Analysis

2. On completion of this module you will be able to demonstrate a systematic and strategic literature search and undertake an evidence review related to the current issue.

PCF 2. 5. 6
Professional standards: 3.10

Knowledge and Understanding

3. On completion of this module you will be able to critically evaluate the application of the research base in practice when working with the chosen current issue, including how this can support social workers in advocating for, or empowering service users.

PCF 6. 8. 2. 3
Professional Standards: 1.5, 1.6, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 4.3, 4.5,

Reflection
Application

Formative assessment/ Feedback:¿

The module lead will give feedback on your initial literature review on a voluntary basis. You will also be able to discuss your choice of topic and use the experience of your mentor and/or tutor to inform links to current practice

Summative Assessment:

The written assignment will demonstrate your ability to find research related to a contemporary theme in social work practice. You will be required to produce a 3000-word literature review evidencing all learning outcomes. This includes describing and justifying a systemic search, synthesising the results and paraphrasing relevant findings. The literature will then be used to explore a contemporary theme and linking the research findings to practice.

Under no circumstances are students to conduct or undertake empirical research, informal or otherwise.

Each week you will be presented with a topic considered to be a contemporary issue in current social work practice. The module will take a generic approach to issues and will cover work with children, adults and mental health. The teaching will include the evaluation of government reports and inquiries concerning social work and social care. This process will highlight how practice is shaped by national policies and demonstrate the importance of remaining current with political, legal, social and cultural changes. Each week a research article will be included in blackboard to support the topic and this will be the platform by which your assessment will be informed.

This flexible approach enables you to choose a theme relevant to contemporary social work and potential career aspirations. Your research will be guided by your personal tutor and/or module leader.

Much of the enquiry and study undertaken will be independent due to the assessment’s broad nature and this will enable you to develop independent thinking skills and lifelong learning that you will need as a social worker.

This is an exciting and topical module based on current and emerging social work issues. A generic approach is taken to the subject matter to include impact and relevance in children's services, mental health and adult’s services with many of the themes cutting across each discipline.

In consultation with people with lived and living experience of social work, social work practitioners and other key stakeholders, topics to be explored in the module will be changed to reflect contemporary social work.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 39 hours

- Whole group sessions
- Tutorial discussions (Individual and Group)

Guided Independent Study: (161 hours)

- Research and reading related to the topic
- Assignment preparation

Subject specific texts will vary dependent upon the topics for discussion. However, examples include:

Aveyard, H (2018) Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: a practical guide. London: OU

Cummings, I (2019) Mental Health Social Work Reimagined. Bristol: Polity Press

Henry, D (2021) Gypsies, Roma and Travellers. St Albans. Critical Publishing

Wroe, L. Larkin, R. & Maglajlic, R eds (2019) Social Work with Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants. London: JKP

Firmin, C (2020) Contextual Safeguarding and Child Protection. Rewriting the rules. London: Routledge

Mughal, A (2022) Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) Handbook (2nd ed) Books Wise Publications.

Research resources will be made available on Blackboard due to the contemporaneous nature of journals, articles and press releases contained within blackboard.
Access to computer facilities to explore materials on the web and specialist online databases.