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SWK-40077 - Module Specification
School of Medicine
Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 04 March 2025

SWK-40077 - Social Work Dissertation (MA)
Coordinator: Cath Holmstrom Room: N/A
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 7
Credits: 45
Study Hours: 450
School Office: 01782 733928

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module provides the opportunity to carry out a social work research project and write it up as an M-level Dissertation. It will develop students¿ research skills and application of the implications of research evidence for social work theory and practice, important skills for a practising qualified social worker and for students considering progressing within social work research.

Aims
This module aims to:
¿Develop students¿ research skills in managing the research processes, including: developing a research question, selection of appropriate methodology and methods.
¿Develop students¿ application of research evidence for social work theory and practice;
¿Develop students¿ knowledge of the importance of the role of values and ethics in the research process;
¿Enhance students¿ skills in the critical evaluation and synthesis of research knowledge;
¿Enable students to undertake a dissertation at Masters level.

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a critical understanding of research skills in managing research processes such as, research question formulation, methodology, and methods: 1
demonstrate a critical understanding of the importance of values and ethics in the research process
: 1
critically analyse, synthesise and apply research to social work theory and practice: 1
develop and evidence an extended and discursive research report related to a contemporary social work issue
: 1

Study hours

Active learning hours:
in situ
12 hours individual supervision (including feedback on draft)
12 hours group guided learning and peer support sessions
Independent, asynchronous hours:
426 hours independent research and writing

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Dissertation weighted 100%
10,000-word dissertation


The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 March 2025