Advanced Social Work Studies MSc

Core Module: Research Methods for Professional Inquiry (PD50177)

(Credits: 30)

The purpose of this module is to introduce you to research methodology and methods. In the course of the module you will develop an appreciation of what is entailed in conducting research in a professional field. The module content will follow the stages of research, starting with the research problem/question through to the presentation of findings. This module is also intended to prepare you to progress on to a small scale enquiry and to begin to think about the academic research process and the task of developing and conducting a research study.

Core module: Collaborative Working (PD50214)

(Credits: 30)

Students will be able to critically analyse different approaches to collaborative working and the factors impacting on their effectiveness. They will also be able to evaluate collaborative inquiry methodologies. Students will have the opportunity to work with, and learn from, professional peers from a wide range of backgrounds across the Masters Framework. The module assessment will be tailored to student’s prior experiences and professional expertise.

Core module: Decision Making (SW50017)

(Credits: 30)

This module allows students to evidence their critical understanding of, and competence in, making and communicating decisions in complex situations within their practice. Students will draw on ethical, legal, research and risk-related knowledge and will evidence an integral commitment to social justice and an understanding of the potential for oppression within neo-liberal risk practices.

Core Module: Dissertation (PD50206)

(Credits: 60)

The culmination of a Masters programme is a substantial piece of work which will contribute to the development and enhancement of professional knowledge and practice for the writer and others across a range of professional fields. Students are expected to show that they can exercise independent critical judgement and that they have command of the necessary research processes required to carry forward and report a systematic investigation, either empirical or philosophical. They are also required to show that they can apply what they have learned through their studies to set up a project which will inform research or will explore an aspect of practice. A study of this professional standing and worth must be well planned and resourced, engage with research and public theories, be critically reflective and explore the assumptions that underpin practice.

The optional modules available to students include the following:

Caring within Integrated Services (SW50018)

This module provides students with a critical insight into health and social care integration. Students study the theoretical and policy context of the changing landscape of social care in Scotland along with international perspectives.

Leadership, change and Organisational Development (PD50175)

(Credits: 30)

This module introduces participants to the concept of leadership and its role within strategic development, organisational learning and communities of practice. Participants will explore and critically appraise the significance of leadership, its relation to management and impact on organisational development. With reference to current literature and research, participants will examine theories of leadership and how leadership differs from management within organisations. It also asks participants to explore the key principles of vision and values, culture and climate. Participants will be asked to consider personal and professional values and the notion of a systems view in the context of guiding organisational change.

Assessment methods will include a combination of:

• reflective and critical essays
• oral presentations
• research visualisations
• research reports

At the University of Dundee, we emphasise the development of autonomous and self-directed learning, with support and guidance through structured personal tutor and module leaders. Our approaches include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group based discussions
• Enquiry and action learning – collaborative research and problem solving.
• Collaborative group inquiry activities (including inter-professional collaboration)
• Online materials - discussion boards, academic activities, core materials and signposts to literature.
• Independent and autonomous study and research which is supported and guided by module leaders and /or personal tutors.
• Option for work based project to situate learning and research.