INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module involves the application of the skills and knowledge gained through using research to inform social work practice to an independent piece of work on a topic chosen by the student, undertaken through a survey of literature and/or secondary data, and related to social work practice in the practice learning setting. The content includes:

Knowledge, Understanding and Learning
1. The application of social welfare and research ethics;
2. Defining a research problem;

Application
3. The application of techniques for surveying existing literature, knowledge and research evidence on a topic of interest - using literature, Internet and secondary sources;
4. Analysis of secondary data, both qualitative and quantitative;
5. The application of ensuing knowledge to policy and practice in Social Work;

Enquiry
6. Evaluating previous research in the light of theoretical and methodological issues in Social Work;
7. Dissertation and report writing.

Whole group sessions - These will give students an overview of the requirements of the module and the assessments requirements, and will disseminate key knowledge - 5 day workshops x 6 hrs = 30 hrs
Small group sessions
Tutorials - Students will receive support and guidance in relation to their individual research - 6 hours in total

Independent Study - This will involve individual research and dissertation preparation - 270 hours

Module handbook.
Access to appropriate texts.
Computer facilities will be needed to access material available on the web and specialist on-line data bases.
SPSS

This module is open only to students enrolled on the BA (Hons) Social Work who have successfully completed level 2 of this award.

Student must also have studied all other level 3 modules on the BA (Hons) Social Work & cannot combine this module with level 3 modules outside of the BA (Hons) Social Work.

A DISSERTATION, length 7.500 words, weighted at 100%.
The Dissertation should meet all learning outcomes for the module, 1 - 6.

Additional Assessment Details:

Formative Assessment: Tutor feedback on written plan for dissertation, length 500 words.

Denscomb, M. (2002) Ground Rules for Good Research, Buckingham, Open University Press, ISBN 0335206514.
Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project, 4th edition, Buckingham, Open University Press, ISBN 0335215041.
May, T. (2001) Social Research, 3rd edition, Buckingham, Open University Press, ISBN 0335206123.
Hek, G. & Moule, P. (2006) Making Sense of Research: An Introduction for Health and Social Care Practitioners, 3rd edition, London, Sage, ISBN 141292362X.