1. By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate systematic and critical understanding of contemporary social work research, and advanced scholarship pertinent to the research topic.

Professional standards 1.6, 3.3, 4.3
PCF 5,6

Knowledge and Understanding
Application

2. By the end of this module you will be able to demonstrate a practical application of established techniques of research and enquiry to create and interpret knowledge in the academic and professional discipline of social work

Professional standards 3.1, 3.5, 3.7, 4.8
PCF 5

Knowledge and Understanding
Application
Learning

3. By the end of the module you will be able to evaluate complex issues both systematically and creatively and demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge to make evidence-based recommendations for innovative social work practice.

Professional standards 4.2, 4.4
PCF 2,3, 4, 5 & 6

Analysis

4. By the end of the module you will be able to effectively communicate and reflect on your evidence-based recommendations clearly to academic staff, practitioners and experts by experience.

Professional standards 3.10, 4.5, 4.8
PCF 1, 6, 7

Communication
Reflection

Formative assessment:

Up to 10 % of the dissertation will be submitted to the dissertation supervisor for review and feedback

Summative assessment:

The assignment will be a secondary research project on a professional social work topic or social work related social policy or legislation. The topic will be agreed with the student’s tutor beforehand. Assessment will comprise of

9,000 word dissertation – comprising secondary research. Assessing learning outcomes 1,2 & 3
30 minute presentation reflecting on their research and detailing the recommendations for innovative practice. The presentation will be delivered to a member of the academic staff, a social work practitioner and an expert by experience. Assessing learning outcome 4

The research project provides an opportunity for the student to engage in a substantial piece of scholarship in which students have the opportunity to study a social work-related topic in-depth under the supervision of a member of staff.

The topic will integrate academic knowledge and skills with social work theory and practice. In addition, the research project must demonstrate an understanding of anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory values in social work practice and the relationship between social policy and outcomes for service users.

Directed and detailed guidance on the development of research skills will include:

- Guidance on methods of carrying out a literature review of the research topic.

- Guidance on understanding research methods.

- Guidance on using academic, government and professional literature and databases.

- Detailed guidance on the practical application of research skills in the production of an extended written dissertation on a subject of the student's choice.

The module provides an opportunity for students to engage in a piece of independent, social work related secondary research of the students’ own choosing. The dissertation is a substantial piece of academic work which is undertaken to develop students’ skills of research, critical evaluation, organisation and ownership of their own social work education. The dissertation is both challenging and rewarding, as it should stretch students and develop and widen their abilities and resilience. However, on completion, students have a tremendous sense of accomplishment in addition to a greater and detailed knowledge of their chosen dissertation topic.

The focus of this module is on a mix of independent as well as directed study. This will be blended learning consisting of face-to-face classroom teaching, VLE based information and guidance followed by individual supervision. All students will be allocated a dissertation supervisor.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (35 hours)

To include scheduled lectures, seminars and workshops and 10 hours of one to one supervision with the dissertation supervisor

Guided Independent Study: (565 hours)

To include independent reading, dissertation and presentation preparation

Aveyard, H. (2019) Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: a practical guide Maidenhead: OU Press

Bell, J. (2018) Doing Your Research Project (7th Edition), Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Furseth, I and Everett, E (2013) Doing your masters dissertation. Sage: London

Kiteley, R. & Stogdon, C. (2014), Literature reviews in social work. Sage: London.

Silverman, D.(Ed.) (2016). Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice (4th Edition). London, Sage.

Walliman, N. 2018, Research methods: the basics, 2nd Routledge, London.

During this module, you will be encouraged to utilise Microsoft Teams and Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support your learning. You will be invited to collaborate with students and academic staff virtually through Microsoft Teams. You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, lecture slides, and interactive activities. You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our Library and specialist databases.

Students need to be enrolled on MA Social Work