| CODE | SWP5002 | ||||||
| TITLE | Dissertation | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 80 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Social Policy and Social Work | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Students shall be required to submit an individual dissertation of between 30,000 and 35,000 words in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Board of Studies. The exercise provides the student with an opportunity to examine in depth a selected area and to understand the relationship between theory, empirical research, practice and policy. A dissertation consists of an investigation addressing a particular area of study in social policy. The dissertation is intended to test a student's ability to present a sustained academic argument in clear, logical prose. Students have considerable freedom in their choice of topic. They must demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, theoretical perspectives and findings in the chosen research area having undertaken a thorough survey of primary and secondary sources. The students shall be followed by a supervisor throughout the process. Study-Unit Aims: - Provide students with the opportunity to investigate a particular area of study associated with social policy; - Support students in the development of the competences required to undertake research; - Provide students with the opportunity to plan and carry out a small research project and to guide them therein; - Support and encourage an evidence base for social policy in Malta. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - demonstrate a deeper understanding of the particular issue identified for study; - demonstrate a wider knowledge of theory surrounding the issue; - critically appraise various research methodologies and demonstrate a deeper knowledge of the research methods employed; - acknowledge the relevant ethical considerations; and - demonstrate an understanding of the main concepts emerging from the study. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - sustain a research project from inception through to its realisation; - identify an area of investigation that suggests a critical understanding of the theoretical perspectives and research findings in the chosen area of study; - write a critical review of the literature; - design and apply appropriate research methods to the study; - weigh and assess evidence; and - draw up the final conclusions on the subject in an articulate and coherent manner. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main texts Greenfield, T. & Greener, S. (2016). Research methods for postgraduates (3rd ed.). UK: John Wiley & Sons. Seale, C. (Ed.) (2018). Researching Society and Culture (4th ed.). UK: Sage. Supplementary texts Maychrzak, A. & Markus, M.L. (2013). Methods for Policy Research: Taking Socially Responsible Action (2nd ed.) Burch, P.E. & Heinrich, C.J. (2015). Mixed Methods for Policy Research and Program Evaluation. UK: Sage. Walshaw, Margaret (2015). Planning your postgraduate research. UK: Macmillan Education Limited. Temple, A. (2019). The postgraduate's guide to research ethics. UK: Macmillan Education Limited. Lee, A. (2019). Successful research projects: A guide for postgraduates. UK: Taylor and Francis. Seale, C. (Ed.). (2004). Social research methods: A reader. London, U.K.: Routledge. Schutt, R.K. (2006). Investigating the social world: The process and practice of research. (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks, U.S.A.: Pine Forge Press. Szuchman, L.T., & Thomlison, B. (2011). Writing with style: APA style for social work. (4th ed.). Belmont, California, U.S.A.: Brooks/Cole - Thomson Learning. A selection of books, papers and articles linked to the topic of the dissertation and any specific research method selected. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-Requisite Study-unit: SWP5146 **September Assessment Session: Students who fail to obtain an overall pass mark will be re-examined in the Dissertation. However, the resit availability for the Oral Examination is at the discretion of the Board of Examiners. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Dissertation | ||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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