1. Demonstrate advanced understanding of research relevant to a contemporary issue in social work.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Critically evaluate contemporary social work research, including its theoretical foundations, methodological approaches and ethical safeguards.

Research Skills

3. Analyse complex issues systematically and creatively, providing evidence-based recommendations to advance social work practice.

Application & Problem Solving

4. Effectively communicate your recommendations for social work practice to academic and professional audiences.

Communication

Formative Assessment

Group discussions during teaching and learning sessions within the module and to prepare for summative assessment elements.

Summative Assessment

You will produce a journal article on a topic of your choice which integrates academic knowledge with social work practice. A selection of appropriate journals will be shared by the module lead, and you will work with support to write an article as if you were going to submit to the journal for publication, although there is no expectation that you will then do so. The word count will be governed by the journal selected. You will not be undertaking primary research.

The assessment provides an opportunity for students to engage in a piece of scholarship whereby they can study a social work-related topic in-depth with the support of a member of staff.

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.

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 you 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 you 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 you the opportunity of completing your own project, whereby, you can challenge yourself and develop your skills of data gathering, analysis and critical thinking. The topic for the research project is decided by the student and therefore it is something you can own, enjoy and from which you will gain substantial academic, organisational and personal achievement.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities: During the classroom sessions there may be -

Lectures on key topics

Case-based learning: Realistic scenarios to illustrate the application of research to social work practice

Reflective groups: Peer discussion.

Guest speakers: Experienced practitioners and people with lived experience of social works

Directed Independent study:

To consist of

- Accessing online resources

- Use of the VLE

- Independent reading to consolidate the knowledge introduced in the scheduled teaching and learning sessions

- Formative and summative assessment preparation

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

Aveyard, H. (2023). Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide (5th ed.). Open University Press

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

Rogers, M. (2012). Applying Critical Thinking and Analysis in Social Work. Maidenhead: Open University Press / McGraw-Hill Education.

Seale, C. (2025). Researching Society and Culture (5th ed.). SAGE Publications Ltd.

Thomas, G. (2025). How to Do Your Literature Review. SAGE Publications Ltd.

Wallace, M. & Wray, A. (2021). Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Simulation Suites

Virti or other digital tools to aid in the delivery of phenomena or simulation-based learning