| CODE | SWP5222 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Dissertation | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 30 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Social Policy and Social Work | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Students shall be required to submit an individual dissertation of approximately 18,000 to 20,000 words in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Board. The exercise provides the student with an opportunity to examine in depth a selected area and to understand the relationship between theory, empirical research and practice. A dissertation consists of an investigation addressing a particular area of study in social work. The dissertation is intended to test a student's ability to present a sustained academic argument in clear, logical prose. Students have considerable freedom in their choice of topic. They must demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, theoretical perspectives and findings in the chosen research area having undertaken a thorough survey of primary and secondary sources. The students shall be followed by a supervisor throughout the process. Study-Unit Aims: The study-unit aims to: - provide students with the opportunity to investigate a particular area of study in social work; - support students in the development of the knowledge and skills required to undertake research; - provide students with the opportunity to plan and carry out a small research project; - support inquiry through encouraging students to select a topic of investigation; and - help students to develop sustained scholarship in their professional practice. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - demonstrate that they have a deeper understanding of the particular issue identified for study; - demonstrate that they have a wider knowledge of theory surrounding the issue; - show that they are able to critically appraise various research methodologies and have a deeper knowledge of the research methods employed; - acknowledge the relevant ethical considerations; and - demonstrate that they understand the main concepts emerging from their study. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - demonstrate that they are able to sustain their research project from inception through to its realisation; - identify an area of investigation that suggests a critical understanding of the theoretical perspectives and research findings in their chosen area of study; - write a critical review of the literature; - design and apply appropriate research methods to their study; - show that they are able to weigh and assess evidence; and - draw up the final conclusions on the subject in an articulate and coherent manner. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Rubin, A., and Babbie, E. (2011). Research methods for social work. (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. - Seale, C. (Ed.) (2004). Social Research Methods: A Reader. London: Routledge. - Schutt, R. K. (2006). Investigating the Social World: The Process and Practice of Research, (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press.. - Szuchman, L. T., & Thomlison, B. (2011). Writing with style: APA style for social work (4th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole – Thomson Learning. - A selection of books, papers and articles linked to the topic of the dissertation and any specific research method selected. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Dissertation | ||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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