Research Methods Programme: for Social Workers
The Research Methods Programme provides postgraduate, post-qualifying modules for social workers
approved by the professional regulatory body, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) as part
of the Professional in Practice (PiP) Framework:
• The Evidence-Informed Professional and Organisation (SWK751)
• Research and Evaluation Methods in Social Work (SWK752)
These modules enable social workers to gain Requirements of the Specialist Award or the Leadership
Award of the PiP Framework (see details below). Entry requires employer support and post-qualifying
practice experience. The modules are designed particularly for Senior Practitioners, team leaders,
training officers and other experienced Social Workers to gain knowledge and skills in using robust
evidence to inform their practice and service development in their organisation. These modules achieve
credit towards the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Professional Development in Social Work.
The Evidence-Informed Professional and Organisation (SWK751)
Candidates undertake a review of empirical research on a topic agreed with their employer and their
tutor. Candidates learn to use web-based sources of evidence; shape an answerable question;
understand research design and appraise research quality; synthesise research into recommendations
for practice; and present their review to an audience of professionals and service users. This module
runs from September to June each year, and is taught jointly with service users, carers and others
undertaking SWK753.
Research and Evaluation Methods in Social Work (SWK752)
SWK752 requires SWK751 (or equivalent) as a pre-requisite. Candidates build on their literature review
to undertake a work-based research or service evaluation project agreed with their employer and their
tutor. Candidates develop knowledge and skills in designing and managing a project that will support
robust, evidence-based development of professional practice and services in a social care organisation.
Candidates learn about research design; quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation methods;
gaining access to data and ethical approval; gathering data; analysis; and dissemination. This module
runs for 12 months from September each year, and is taught jointly with service users, carers and others
undertaking SWK754.