Social Work (MRes)

Contents

The MRes in Social Policy consists of a total of 180 credits. Students spend half of their time on the compulsory taught research training elements of the MRes, worth 90 credits. There are three 20 credit modules: Introduction to Social Research Methods, Data Analysis and Computing and Advanced Qualitative Methods, and two 10 credit modules: Evidence, Understanding and Justice in Social Work in Social Work Research and domains of Social Work Research. Students are also required to attend the 10 credit module Graduate Workshops during the summer term. These are not assessed but are designed to help in preparing the dissertation. The research-based dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words accounts for the remaining 90 credits of the degree. The social work topic is chosen after discussion with the supervisor.

Dissertation

Students must pass both the dissertation and coursework elements of the course to qualify for the award of an MRes degree. Each student chooses a dissertation topic which fits in with his or her own interests in Social Work. During the Autumn Term students think through ideas for their dissertations and discuss these with supervisors and other teaching staff. Topics and supervision arrangements are agreed by the beginning of the Spring Term but during the first part of the MRes course, students are studying taught course modules and work for the dissertation is necessarily part-time. When coursework is complete, however, students usually spend five months working full-time on the dissertation.

Graduate Research Workshops and Seminars

During the summer term weekly dissertation workshops are run. These are compulsory (10 credits) but are unassessed. Their aim is to deal with topics and issues that will suppport students in preparing for and researching their dissertations. The workshops also provide a constructive and non-threatening environment within which students can give presentations about their dissertation work.

After the degree

On successful completion of the MRes in Social Work some students go on to study for research degrees or undertake Social Work research in other settings. It is importatnt to note that this detree is NOT a professional Social Work qualification.

The MRes in Social Work is a taught course degree as distinct from a degree by research. Research degrees confer the titles of MPhil, taken over two years full-time, four years part-time or PhD, taken over three years full-time, six years part-time. Students wishing to study for a PhD are registered initially for an MPhil. During the second year of full-time study, a review panel examines each student's work to decide whether registration should be upgraded to PhD.

Transferring Between Higher Degrees

Upgrading following the award of MRes Students who successfully complete the MRes programme may decide to continue their studies at doctoral level. If accepted to do so, they may embark on a further three years of study (or six years part-time) as research students.

Retrospective upgrading of registration from MRes to MPhil During the course of the MRes programme, a student may decide that he or she wishes to forgo the award of an MRes in order to complete his or her research degree in only two more years (or four years part-time). Since the research training content of the MRes degree is equivalent to the training given in the first year to students registered for a research detree, MPhil registration can be made, retrospectively, replacing the former MRes registration. It is only possible where there is continuity between the research topic the student is exploring for the MRes and the topic he or she wishes to pursue further at doctoral level. It is usually only an advantage to self-funded students as it lowers the total cost of the degree.