Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Master of Arts - MA

Programme Offerings

Part-Time

F2F-JMU-SEP

Educational Aims of the Course

The course aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and values to undertake research in a range of professional settings with all service user groups.

Learning Outcomes

1.
critically discuss the nature and links between research processes leading to exclusion, marginalisation and inequality
2.
Critically reflect upon the evidence and knowledge base of practice
3.
Apply ethical principles in a context of practicing critically, including research ethics.
4.
Structure and plan logically an analysis of a significant topic area within social work
5.
maintain confidentiality
6.
communicate effectively
7.
understand the key concepts of the knowledge base relevant to their profession
8.
draw on appropriate knowledge and skills to inform practice
9.
maintain data appropriately
10.
Be aware of the impact of culture, inequality and diversity on research and evidence
11.
reflect on and review best practice
12.
analyse critically the nature of social work services in a diverse society;
13.
Apply analytical thinking including problem solving.
14.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
15.
Reflect and learn independently including using own initiative.
16.
Demonstrate their ability to apply research and evaluation skills through comparative literary and theoretical analysis to social work practice.
17.
Demonstrate their ability through empirical research conventions to independently plan and carry out a small research project which may include a variety of skills relevant to a chosen method of investigation and analysis.
18.
critically analyse current approaches to and perspectives on defining and evaluating service user situations and characteristics;
19.
evaluate critically key research and evidence based concepts and their relationship to developing professional practice;
20.
analyse critically key sociological, psychological and physiological perspectives as they underpin social work research and practice;
21.
analyse critically current research methods used with a range of service users;
22.
understand the importance of the integration of theory and research in practice.
23.
Analyse, synthesise and evaluate concepts, theories and evidence
24.
Think logically and systematically in problem solving

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching and learning strategies include interactive lectures with a range of student centred learning methods, such as small group work, discussion, and blended learning. Specialist IT and internet resources are used. Students will be expected to engage in a wide range of appropriate reading throughout the course to supplement and consolidate what is being taught and researched, and actively participate in their own learning and that of others. They are expected to make maximum use of library and internet facilities to access recent research. Intellectual skills are developed through group discussions and debates within small and large group settings, and through practical tasks. Application of cognitive skills is developed through research based activities focused on ethical and methodological issues and professional practice. The teaching and learning strategy includes input from academics, service users and practitioners . Assessment methods are specified in the module handbook and include a dissertation: portfolio and Research Paper. This requires students to demonstrate their ability to link researched topics to theory and evidence based practice. Students will engage in a research based task which will demonstrate their knowledge of the subject area, its relation to social work practice, and recent relevant research. The University acknowledges that there may be occasions when a student's performance in assessment may be severely affected by unforeseen or unexpected circumstances. Such events include sudden acute illness or close personal bereavement. Any extension requests must be discussed with the Module leader prior to the submission date. For information about extensions and the Extenuating Circumstances Process please visit: www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/public-information/studentregulations/guidance-policy-and-process Teaching and learning will include interactive lectures which include a range of student centred learning methods, such as small group work, discussion, and blended learning activities. Specialist lT and internet resources are used. Postgraduate students will be expected to engage in a range of independent, relevant reading throughout the course, actively participate in their own learning and that of others, and develop their ability to independently research and analyse a significant topic within social work. Assessment methods are specified in the module handbook. Intellectual ability is assessed via a Level 7 research task. This requires students to demonstrate their ability to link theory to practice, and to analyse a specific topic area relevant to professional practice Students are expected to apply the knowledge gained in the University to their place of work. Each student has a research supervisor who, through professional supervision, consolidates the development of knowledge, skills and values. The student is responsible for compiling a portfolio of evidence and research paper upon which the assessment is based. The portfolio provides opportunity to reflect on the development of evidence based practice which is central to professional development. Assessment of postgraduate research and evaluation skills will be through the research paper. Teaching and learning strategies to promote analytical thinking, relationship building, working in organisations, effective communication, use of IT, critical reflection, assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation are incorporated in academic and practice based learning activities. Teaching methods will include lectures, group work, seminars, tutorials, and service user and practitioner led activities. Assessment is designed to ensure that a range of key skills are utilised. A Research Paper and portfolio require students to access material from a range of sources, to analyse and communicate ideas effectively. The course requires students to work cooperatively with others as well as work independently. Students are required to manage their time so

Opportunities for work related learning

The Dissertation/Research Project is usually undertaken in a work based social care setting. Principles of evidence practice are central to professional development and user involvement.

Programme Structure

Programme Structure Description

Students will receive 120 credits Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) after completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work (Step Up). Students who successfully complete the 7108SWMAP Dissertation module will be awarded the MA in Professional Studies in Social Care.

Structure

Level 7

Approved variance from Academic Framework Regulations

The following variances have been approved: Component marking for 7101SWMAP, 7102SWMAP, 7108SWMAP; Exemption from semesterisation for 7101SWMAP, 7102SWMAP, 7108SWMAP,

Entry Requirements

Alternative qualifications considered

HECoS Code(s)

(CAH15-04) health and social care