module specification

The dissertation is designed to give students an opportunity to undertake a substantive independent piece of research on a specific area relevant to social work practice. It is an integral part of the Masters award. The dissertation builds upon the earlier modules of the programme. Students are required to demonstrate a high level of autonomy and self-direction.

This module provides the opportunity for students to:

• Advance their knowledge and understanding by the undertaking of a sustained and detailed dissertation that critically examines and evaluates an aspect of social work theory, policy and/or practice of particular interest to the student and approved by their supervisor.
• Select and apply the principles of social research to inform their chosen methodology
• Apply appropriate skills of analysis and critique existing research in the exploration of current issues relating to social work theory, policy and practice.
• Reflect critically on the process of developing and executing a sustained piece of work.

This is a 60 credit module for the masters programme the content of which focuses on the planning and execution of an investigation. It enables students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained throughout the social work programme, particularly, but not exclusively, the core modules, and to apply this to a specific question or topic. Students are expected to be selfUmotivated and able to work independently. However, attending designated supervision sessions with a named supervisor will also be important.

The first part of the dissertation will be the submission of a formal proposal highlighting the area of
study, including the production of a research plan and indicative literature. This requires the student to construct a programme indicating: the rationale for the investigation, its relationship to previous and current research in the field as well as the concepts, theories and/or bodies of empirical evidence to be examined. The proposal must include reference to policy documents and other literature sources. The practical applications of the investigation and the relevant ethical issues must be addressed. A clear timetable must be included as well a reflective account of progress.

Following approval of the proposal students continue to the second stage of the dissertation. Students  will be allocated a supervisor. The work at this stage will be self-directed.

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

(LO1) Formulate, plan, organise and write a dissertation that synthesises learning from the Social Work
modules.

LO2) Appraise and synthesise the literature and evidence base related a subject relevant to social work
practice.

(LO3) Evaluate the ways in which theories are applied for research and critically informed practice.

The assessment will include both formative and summative methods. It will consist of project proposal which is formative (1000 words) and a dissertation which is summative (10 – 12000 words).

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