This module enables you to explore in some depth a social-work-related topic of your choice by undertaking a coherent and logical review of a relevant piece of literature relating to your chosen topic. It thus demonstrates and extends the knowledge and skills you have developed through other modules and through your placement experience.
You start thinking seriously about your dissertation during the summer term of Year 2 when there are two briefing sessions which help you to produce a dissertation rationale. After you have been allocated a supervisor, you then agree a plan of study before the end of the summer term. In the final briefing session, at the beginning of Year 3, the focus is on structure, writing strategies and how to produce a chapter plan.
The assessment of the dissertation examines whether you are able to produce a coherent and substantial piece of writing on a chosen issue, draw on and evaluate research evidence and other relevant literature, and address critically the policy and practice context of contemporary social work.