MA Social Research Methods (Social Work)

Evidence is fundamental to the practice of social work, where it is constantly in demand to justify decisions that affect people's lives in far-reaching ways. This programme provides an introduction to the principles and values of social work and understanding of the organisation and delivery of social welfare and related services (health education, housing etc.) in the UK. It also provides you with the grounding in social research necessary to conduct applied types of research that are a fundamental part of social work practice and evaluation. The programme covers a range of approaches to research - not only in terms of the techniques used in social research, but also in terms of the theoretical underpinnings of research.

This programme forms part of a recognised pathway for Social Work within the ESRC-funded North East Doctoral Training Centre. As such, candidates who complete this programme are eligible to apply for funding for '+3' awards to support doctoral study.  Alternatively candidates may apply through an annual competition to undertake this MA on a funded basis as part of 1+3 award (covering both the initial research training Masters programme and a PhD).

Candidates who receive ESRC awards receive tuition fees and a maintenance grant. We will be happy to discuss prospective applications. Prospective candidates may also be interested to know that Durham University offers a number of opportunities for financing study on its MA and PG programmes.

Students
The programme will be of interest to:

• social science graduates who wish to pursue an academic study of social work research;
• social science graduates who wish to go on to do a PhD in any area of social work;
• social science graduates who want a 'stand alone' qualification in social research;
• social workers with a degree who wish to develop skills in research;
• those currently working in fields which employ social research.

Programme Details

The programme is assessesd by the accumulation of University Credit Units (UCUs), in multiples of 15. You will be required to complete 180 UCUs for the award of an MA.

The programme comprises the following:

• Contemporary Social Work  (30)

plus

• Perspectives on Social Research  (15)
• Statistical Exploration and Reasoning  (15)
• Quantitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences  (15)
• Qualitative Research Methods in the Social Sciences  (15)
• Policy-Related and Evaluation Research  (15)
• Research Design and Process  (15)

Either

• Philosophy of Social Research  (15) or
• Computer Based Applications in Social Research  (15)

plus

• A Dissertation based on an empirical study of an aspect of social work (PDF) (45)

Duration

Full-time: one year over three consecutive terms (12 months).
Part-time: two years, plus completion of the dissertation.

Assessment
One essay or report per 15 UCUs, plus a dissertation.

Entry Requirements
Normally applicants should have at least a 2.i degree (or its equivalent). However, applications from candidates with a 2.ii degree (or below) who have approved professional qualifications, for example in Social Work, together with experience, will be actively considered for admission.

Fees

Details of fees are available from the University webpages.

Applications
For further details or for further information on the application process please contact: 

The Admissions Secretary
Taught Graduate Programme
School of Applied Social Sciences
Durham University
Elvet Riverside 2
Durham
DH1 3JT

Email: sass.pgadmissions@durham.ac.uk
Tel: 0191 334 1505
Fax: 0191 334 1401