Social Work Masters Dissertation module (SW52011)

​​Work independently to choose a topic in professional social work and explore it in depth. You will have developed skills to be able to produce either a journal article for publication or a critical policy review. Students will be able to undertake systematic review of literature, evaluate and critique sources, locate them in relation to social work policy and practice, and assess the potential contribution of your work to the field. 

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

• ​Source, read, evaluate and critique existing literature and place it in relation to social work policy and practice. 
• ​Develop confidence and skills in writing for publication or other public audiences. 
• ​Build awareness of the impact of social work research on practice. 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• ​Systematically identify and critically appraise the relevant literature related to your area of interest. 
• ​Evaluate the significance of your research or review and assess its potential contribution to the existing body of knowledge. 
• ​Develop awareness of outlets for social work research, publications and current debates in the field. 
• ​Identify appropriate areas for dissemination and further study. 
• ​Demonstrate analytical, interpretive and discursive skills. 
• ​Manage your time and workload effectively across the module. 
• ​Write for a public audience

Assignments / assessments

• 8,000-word assignment comprising: 
  • 1,000 word assignment providing a commentary on the process of identifying a topic and an outlet for publication 
  • 6,000 word substantive piece of writing in the form of a journal article or critical review 
  • 1,000 word reflection on the process and ‘where next’ in terms of the implications and dissemination of the work

Teaching methods / timetable

• Academic supervisor meetings and individual tutorials.
• Workshops on writing for publication, literature searching, critical appraisal and dissemination.
• Library Services support.
• The emphasis is on independent working with supervisory guidance.