| Unit name | Social Work Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SPOLM0036 |
| Credit points | 60 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Symonds |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Research Methods |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School for Policy Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The dissertation is based on the design and conduct of an empirical research project of relevance to policy and practice in social work and social care. It may involve qualitative and/or quantitative social research methods. Secondary analyses of research data and systematic reviews of the research literature may also employed.
The dissertation project aims to support students in developing knowledge and skills required to carry out independent empirical research of relevance to practice and policy in social work and social care.
On successful completion of the Unit students will be able to
i) Carry out a systematic search of relevant literature and critically evaluate and synthesise research that others have done.
ii) Integrate theoretical perspectives alongside empirical research findings
iii) Formulate research questions relevant to a topic of concern to practice and policy in social work and social care
iv) Select and justify the use appropriate research methods
v) Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues and can work within ethical constraints
vi) Secure access to research opportunities and collect and analyse data using appropriate methods
vii) Communicate research results clearly and effectively
viii) Discuss the findings using a logical and consistent argument and examining them in relation to the theoretical frameworks and previous research
ix) Appreciate the limitations of whatever research methodology is adopted
x) Identify learning about the reasons for success and/or failure in completing the project and lessons for future research on the topic.
xi) Identify the policy and practice implications of the research.
Online materials including guidance, examples, and ethics materials, will be provided on Blackboard to prepare students for completing a dissertation project. Individual supervision by an expert supervisor in person or by email/phone/Skype (notional 8 hours).
Discussion Board on Blackboard.
Dissertation (10,000 to 15,000 words) with a plain English summary for dissemination to agencies and research participants.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SPOLM0036).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
