1. By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate critical knowledge and evaluation of a range of social scientific research paradigms and methods in relation to social work academic inquiry.

Professional standards
PCF 5 & 6

1 Knowledge and Understanding

2. By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate critical knowledge and evaluation of the ethical processes and safeguards in relation to social work research methods.

Professional standards 1.2, 2.1, 3.1, 3.7, 4.8
PCF 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

1.Knowledge and Understanding

3. By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge to contemporary themes or issues in social work practice together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create knowledge.

Professional standards 4.2, 4.4, 4.5
PCF 5, 6 & 7

2. Analysis
3. Enquiry
7. Application
Communication
5. Problem solving

4. By the end of this module, you will be able to demonstrate a systematic and creative application of contemporary research in the complex situations for social work practice

Professional standards 4.2, 4.3, 4.4
PCF 1, 5

7. Application
5. Problem solving

Summative Assessment:

A 20 minute professional conversation, where the student will need to demonstrate the application of a set piece of contemporary research in social work practice. Evidencing learning outcome 4

A 3,000 word research proposal; this will consist of:
Proposed title
Research aim
Rationale
Preliminary literature review
Methodology
Ethical considerations
Limitations
Research Plan
Assessing learning outcomes 1, 2, 3

This module aims to give students a foundation in understanding the processes and academic and ethical considerations when undertaking a research projection. As such, it is taught as a preparation for the dissertation students will complete in their final year.

The module will give an overview of social scientific research as an academic discipline and its application in theoretical and practical social work. Students will:

Be taught about research as an academic discipline.

Gain an understanding of the philosophy of knowledge and the epistemological and methodological difficulties of transposing and analysing social action as academic discourse.

Consider the concept of ethical research - especially regarding safeguarding the welfare, voice and lived experience of service users and social work practitioners.

Consider the task of planning a complex piece of work which must be completed within a set timescale and finite word limit.

The teaching will consist of face to face lectures and discussion workshops – where students will have the opportunity to discuss suggested research papers – honing and strengthening their analytical skills and ability to apply research theory and practice. There will be specific teaching and skill development sessions around planning and organisation of the key elements of an academic dissertation (introduction of the research question, literature review, methodology, discussion, conclusion and applicability, etc.).

Research is something we hear about every day. Many of the developments in social work practice and social policy and legislation have been guided by or initiated because of research. Therefore, it is important that students have a good understanding of research methods and their application in the professional world of social work. The aim of this module is to give students a working knowledge of the main paradigms and methods of social scientific research; in addition to understanding the reasons why research must be ethical and transparent. The module affords students the opportunity of completing their own research project, whereby, students can challenge themselves and develop their skills of data gathering, analysis and critical thinking. The topic for the research project is decided by the student and therefore it is something the student can own, enjoy and from which the student gains substantial academic, organisational and personal achievement.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (36 hours)

You will attend lectures on key topics. There will also be opportunities to work in small groups to discuss and explore some of the key issues raised in lectures in greater depth. You will be asked to research papers and analyse and discuss these in small groups – linking theory with the practice of research and application to social work theory and practice.

Guided Independent Study: (164 hours)

100 hours: Independent reading - You will be expected to read the recommended reading before each lecture and prepare thoroughly for these by utilising the materials on Blackboard.

64 hours: Independent assignment preparation

Alston, M and Bowles, W (2019) Research for Social Work (3rd ed) Abingdon: Routledge

Aveyard, H (2019) Doing a literature review in health and social care : a practical guide. London: Open University Press

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

Denscombe, M. (2017) The Good Research Guide, Open University Press

Denzin, N.K. & Lincoln, Y.S. (2018) The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Research (5th ed) London: Sage Publications

Wallace, M. & Wray, A. (2016) Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates London: Sage

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