The outcomes of the dissertation are threefold:
Firstly, to allow students to express themselves as practitioners, and 'critical consumers' of research, having previously been provided with the knowledge and understanding necessary to evaluate research appropriately. Secondly, an opportunity to independently carry out an in-depth inquiry to investigate a research question(s) of their choice, and produce a coherent review of the relevant literature, a logical discussion, and clearly communicated set of conclusions. Thirdly, students apply themselves as 'research-minded' practitioners with an ongoing capacity to undertake research in practice settings and/or take a lead role in supervising others in such work.
Total contact hours: 32
Private study hours: 568
Total study hours: 600
Social Work MA (compulsory stage 2 module) plus SUSW MA where chosen.
Main assessment methods
Dissertation (12,000 words) – 100%.
Reassessment methods
Like-for-like
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices.
The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 demonstrate advanced knowledge of the range of both qualitative and quantitative research techniques and a capacity for independently evaluating their respective strengths and weaknesses in addressing particular kinds of research question;
8.2 Undertake critical analysis of research-based concepts drawn from social work and related disciplines, understanding their distinctive epistemological status and the contribution of these concepts to the knowledge base of social work practice;
8.3 Demonstrate capacity for the critical evaluation of research in providing "explanations of the links between definitional processes contributing to social differences (for example, social class, gender, ethnic differences, age, sexuality and religious belief) to the problems of inequality and differential need faced by service users";
8.5 Deploy techniques of analysis and enquiry in order to critically evaluate research strategies, research findings, and the reliability and validity of information in primary sources (e.g. refereed research articles);
8.6 Apply research skills, commensurate with master's level study, in order to evaluate, inform and advance social work practice, including a practical understanding of how to use research-based evidence in forming judgements and making decisions;
8.7 Show originality in the critical analysis of literature relevant to a chosen topic area, including consideration of research from both qualitative and quantitative paradigms and its relevance for practice;
8.8 Formulate a research question; produce a research proposal, and plan and execute a piece of independent research using primary and/or secondary data sources;
8.9 Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the complex social, ethical and political context in which social work research, and other research relevant to social work practice, takes place.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Undertake self-directed and independent study and apply learning to the production of a single piece of original research;
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