Course syllabus - Thesis in Social Work

Objectives

The aim of the course is for students to independently plan, carry out, analyze and present a scientific project about a problem area of relevance in a social work context.
 

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to independently be able to:
 
(with regard to knowledge and understanding)
1 identify and formulate research questions of relevance to social work
2 search, with a critical attitude, for relevant and topical scientific publications on social work and use these in an adequate manner
3 reflect and give an account of theories and previous research pertaining to the research questions chosen
4 take a stance on and give an account of methodological considerations
5 analyze, assess and discuss issues and situations pertaining to the research area chosen
 
(with regard to competence and skills)
6 plan for and, with suitable scientific methods, collect and process empirical data
7 adequately analyze the collected data with support from social-science theories and link the analysis to the state of knowledge regarding social work
8 write a scientific document fulfilling generally accepted academic requirements regarding form and language use
9 critically and systematically apply different theoretical perspectives on social work
10 identify strengths and weaknesses in their own and others’ degree projects, and contribute substantially to a seminar discussion
 
(with regard to judgment and approach)
11 give an account of and apply rules and agreements regarding research ethics

Course content

A degree project worth 15 credits of relevance to the social work area
The formulation of research questions, and the planning and realization of a scientific investigation
The compilation and presentation of the results of the project and a description of the project in writing
The public defense of one’s own project and the critical discussion of another student’s
 

Tuition

Teaching and learning take the form of individual studies and writing, supervision and seminars.
 

Specific requirements

A completed bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to 180 credits within the fields of social work or equivalent. In addition Swedish B/Swedish 3 and English B/English 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish B/Swedish 3.

Examination

UPS1, degree project, 15 credits: written individual project, spoken and written discussion of another student’s project, as well spoken responses to issues raised regarding one’s own project; learning objectives 1-11; grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG).
 

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail