MSc/ Diploma in Social Science Research Methods (Social Work)
Social Work Pathway Information
The social work pathway through the Social Research Methods MSc is suitable for two groups of people:
- Those people, especially social work practitioners, who want to develop their understanding of and skills in social work research
- Those planning to undertake a PhD on a social work topic
In addition to core research methods modules that are taken by all students on the Social Research Methods MSc, there are five 10-credit modules to be chosen as specialist for the social work pathway. All social work pathway students are required to take Social Work Research and Evaluation and Evaluation and Evidence-Based Policy. Students also then choose from three sets of modules, all designed to open up specific areas of expertise and understanding relevant for Social Work research:
Modules which develop theoretical and conceptual understandings of social work (e.g. Advanced social work practice 1: debates about good practice; Management in Social Care: Principles and Practice);
- Specialist methodological modules, designed to extend understanding and expertise in specific areas of methodology (e.g. Interviews and Interviewing; Statistical Research Methods);
- Substantive options that cover a wide range of relevant knowledge for social work (e.g. Community, Sustainable Health and Wellbeing; Penal Sanctions);
- Option choices are made in discussion with supervisors, with specific reference to the proposed topics of study.
In order to have meaningful contact with social work research being conducted by staff in the school, students should be linked to a research group. There is no group who activities are limited to social work topics, but there is a social work angle in several of the groups. This is particularly the case for the research groups focusing on childhood; crime and justice; health and society; risk, interaction and organisation; and sexualities and gender.
Students will be supervised by academic staff that have extensive experience of funded research for local and national government and voluntary sector bodies, as well as experience of research collaboration with local and national social welfare organisations and good links with local policy-makers and practitioners. These staff members are actively involved in disseminating social work research via publications in books, academic and practitioner journals and presentations to conferences. Several staff members have been involved in editing journals related to social work.
For further information please contact Dr Sally Holland: HollandS1@cf.ac.uk.