Social Work MSc Research Project module (SW53005)

This module allows you to identify a topic and area of study which is of interest to you. You will construct a research project to demonstrate your understanding of the field, as well as the ethical and professional issues involved in researching the topic.

This programme has a global mindset and your project can have focus on an international issue or a specific geographical context. This allows you to tailor the project to a topic which fits with your interests and career aspirations, and underlines the interconnectedness of social work globally and locally.

You will be supported by a supervisor and by your peers throughout this process. This is to ensure that your project is appropriate in terms of focus, scope, and approach. It is very much the culmination of the programme and as you proceed through the other modules, you will be developing the knowledge and skills required to undertake this final project.
 

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• develop the skills to construct a research project with clear ethical objectives and parameters
• critically analyse a range of sources of knowledge relevant to your chosen topic and explore the concepts and principles associated with this
• learn how to communicate and synthesise your findings and ideas

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

• demonstrate knowledge of relevant research processes which allow independent systematic investigation
• apply prior knowledge on global and local social work to set up a study which will inform research or will research an aspect of practice
• demonstrate skills at planning, organising, and engaging with all parties involved
• critically reflect on exploring the assumptions underpinning research, and on the application of this knowledge to practice and policy
• develop the skills to write a paper in the style of a journal research article

Assignments / assessment

• journal-style research paper 10,000 words (100%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• group supervision
  • peer-led research discussions
• individual supervision
  • support and guidance from your research supervisor
• individual study
  • to allow time for constructing and investigating the topic of your choice