Postgraduate Course: Dissertation (MSW) (PGSP11039)
Course Outline
| School | School of Social and Political Science |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type | Dissertation |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Credits | 60 |
| Home subject area | Postgrad (School of Social and Political Studies) |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| Course description | The dissertation course is an independent programme of study in which students are engaged throughout their degree programme which culminates in the submission of a 13,000 word dissertation. Students are expected to take responsibility for identifying their chosen topic, carrying out all the necessary work and producing the dissertation. Input on dissertation preparation is provided through three workshop sessions and students will be encouraged to keep a learning log or diary detailing their developing knowledge of their topic. In addition, individual support and guidance in the form of written feedback work is available at key points through the process, and students may request additional help if needed.
The MSW dissertation is not designed as an empirical study. Instead, its focus is an investigation of a social work topic through two fields of enquiry: firstly, a critical appraisal of written sources (research and literature, legislation, policy documents relevant to the topic etc) and secondly, an analysis of material from discussion with key informants (e.g. practitioners, researchers, service user groups, managers from social work and social care settings). Students are expected to bring together these two sources into a series of implications for social work policy and practice. |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Ability to work independently
Ability to think and write creatively
Ability to carry out a literature search (through library and internet research) and identify relevant reading
Ability to examine a topic in depth, critically analysing sources and producing a balanced review of evidence
Ability to set up meetings and interview key informants purposefully
Ability to write at length coherently and to purpose
Ability to identify implications for social work policy and practice
Ability to work to and meet deadlines |
Assessment Information
The student's study is assessed formatively through the proposal and critical review of the literature (its submission is a pre-requisite for progress to dissertation) and summatively through the 13000 word dissertation. It is intended to test:
a) the participant's knowledge, understanding and critical appraisal of theory and research findings related to the topic;
b) the participant's ability to examine a topic in depth, drawing on material from a range of sources to carry out an empirical research activity;
c) the participant's ability to use research methods, and to present a critical evaluation of his/her material demonstrating a mastery of the subject;
d) the participant's understanding of the implications of this material for social work policy, practice and management. Reference should be made to the legal context of the topic undertaken. |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Prof Lorraine Waterhouse
Tel: (0131 6)50 3913
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Jane Marshall
Tel: (0131 6)50 3912
Email: |
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