SWM5171 · Advanced research and policy practice capstone project

Overview

Under the guidance of a supervisor, you will develop and implement an independent study on a topic of relevance to social work policy, practice or the profession. This study could involve primary, secondary or tertiary research, and may focus specifically on policy analysis. You will gain skills in formulating a topic, gathering data, interrogating it using acceptable analytical processes, and developing informed and defensible conclusions. Through an iterative and collaborative intellectual process with your supervisor, you will create either a written research report, or a ready-for-submission journal article. Through the research process you will construct a beginning professional identity as a social worker-researcher able to apply social work knowledge, skills and values in a research study. Successful completion of the unit SWM5112 Research for social work practice and SWM5171 Advanced research and policy practice capstone project at a minimum of Distinction, may permit you to apply for a graduate research program including the PhD at Monash University

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Critique the framing of a chosen social issue in public discourse, with attention to cultural constructs, social norms and values, as a foundation for your study.
2. Design and implement a study within accepted professional, research and ethical standards, integrating and applying relevant social work knowledge, skills and values.
3. Demonstrate skills in the organisation, analysis and interpretation of data according to accepted research standards.
4. Synthesise critical arguments in relation to the existing literature about the topic.
5. Generate defensible conclusions in respect to the significance of any research findings.
6. Effectively manage time and resources in a collaborative manner with a supervisor to achieve pre-determined goals.
7. Communicate and defend the study findings, meeting the academic standards associated with a research-informed investigation.
8. Appraise and articulate your developing professional identity as a critical and evidence informed practitioner.

Workload

4 hours of teacher directed study per week, including a 2 hour seminar, each week over Semester 1 and in the final weeks of Semester 2. The remaining hours during semester involve directed readings and class preparation. Over the full year, there is an expected minimum of 12 hours per week of self-directed study.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.