You will need access to the following texts:

1. Bryman, A. (2001) Social Research Methods: Oxford: Oxford University Press
2. Denscombe M, `The good Research Guide?, Buckingham: Open University 1998
3. Gilbert N, `Researching Social Life?, London: Sage 1993

The focus of this award is on a mix of independent as well as directed study. There is an opportunity to undertake a range of collaborative work with other participants on-line.

Contact Hours (30) on this module means your on-screen hours engaging with the online study materials contained within the `Course Information?, `Course Documents? and `Assignments? sections of the module virtual learning environment (VLE).

Independent Study (120) means on-line and off-line activity including working on tasks/exercises/activities and within the discussion forums, relevant background/supplementary reading, and assessment preparation and completion.

This module will be delivered by the use of a VLE `Blackboard?.

The VLE `Blackboard? will provide a structured environment for progressing through this module. The `Course Information? section contains essential module information, the award handbook, the module descriptor and a section, which contains the aims and objectives of the module. The `Course Documents? section contains all the study material necessary to complete the module. Within the `Communication? section there are a number of forums, which will enable interactive, asynchronous discussion, which supports student learning and allows for formative assessment of individual progress.

Participants are encouraged to communicate with the tutor and their fellow students using email, telephone, the discussion forums and the bulletin board in the gateway and to do so if there are matters needing assistance and support.

Web-based material will be utilised to support all aspects of the module.

As this is a distance learning award, participants will need to adopt a disciplined approach to study and work for example by ensuring that activities, tasks and assignments are completed within specified time limits and that discussion with others takes place.

The assessment for this module will comprise;

1. Understanding research ? analysis of research process and research findings in a research study (1,2,3 and 7) word length 1000 (30%)
2. A critical review of selected literature, data and research sources relating to an aspect of practice (4,5,6) word length 2000 (70%)

This module provides and introduction to research in the context of advice work. The module will enable students to develop an awareness of research skills and methods and the ability to understand, analyse, interpret and make practice linked applications of research findings as a means of developing evidence based and critical practice. The module will explore;

? The role of research in the advice work context
? Research values and ethics
? An understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods and their uses in the advice work context.
? Reviewing literature on topics and practice related issues.
? Development of skills of using research and theory in critical and evidence based practice
? Dissertation and report writing skills

? A computer capable of accessing the internet
? Key texts
? A computer with a CD Rom Drive