Introduction to the Doctor of Social Work Program

The Doctor of Social Work is a professional doctorate aimed at managers and experienced practitioners working at senior and middle levels of their professions and organizations. It offers the opportunity to examine contemporary leading theories and research evidence, and to apply these within the professional context.

Program Overview

The Doctor of Social Work is a part-time doctoral research degree, fully equivalent to the PhD, but strongly professionally oriented, focusing on 'applied' rather than 'pure' research. The program is designed for practicing professionals, particularly those in or aspiring to senior positions within their professions.

Key Facts

• Mode of study: Part-time
• Qualification: DSW
• Part-time duration: 5-7 years
• Start dates: October
• Application deadline(s): Applications are welcomed until 1 June annually

Program Structure

The program consists of two elements:

1. Part one: Completion of six taught weekend modules, each with a 4,000-word assignment or equivalent tasks. Students are required to submit a draft of the assignment(s) for feedback. The pass mark for each module is 50%, and an overall mark of no less than 60% for all modules collectively is required to progress to the thesis stage.
2. Part two: Research thesis of between 35,000 to 50,000 words in length. The research thesis may focus on any approved topic and is individually supervised by academic staff.

Modules

There are two types of taught modules: four core and two specialist.

• Core modules:
  • Changing Modes of Professionalism
  • Research Design
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Quantitative Research Methods
• Specialist modules:
  • Social Work Research in Action
  • Advanced Social Work: Engagement and Practice

Teaching Methods

Each taught module is delivered over a weekend, with teaching starting on Thursday evenings and continuing throughout Friday and Saturday. The emphasis is on discussion, with lectures, smaller seminars, and workshops, and directed independent study.

Skills Acquired

By the end of the program, students will have acquired research skills, theoretical capacities, and experience of deploying them in a manner appropriate to their particular professional context. These skills include:

• The ability to analyze practices and policies affecting agencies and client groups in their professional field
• The ability to manage innovation and resourceful change in their chosen area
• Communicating and working effectively with other professionals across organizational and service boundaries
• Providing clear leadership, supervision, and consultation in their field
• The ability to work independently and be accountable, making constructive and innovative use of consultation and management processes

Duration and Alternative Exit Awards

The scheme provides a maximum period of candidature of seven years, although students may complete in as few as five years. Alternative exit awards are available for students unable to complete their full doctoral degree:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice Studies upon completion of three taught modules
• Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice Studies upon completion of six taught modules
• MSc in Professional Practice Studies upon completion of six taught modules and submission of a 20,000-word research-based dissertation

Research Environment

The School of Social Sciences is recognized nationally and internationally as a leading center for theoretically informed, empirical research. The school encourages applications in areas such as science, technology, and risk; crime, security, and justice; knowledge, learning, and pedagogy; and inequalities, division, and diversity.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must possess a good first degree and usually have completed a master's degree. They should also have two or more years' professional experience in a field appropriate to their chosen pathway. A score of 600 on TOEFL (250 on computer-based marking) or band 7.0 on IELTS is required where English is not a first language.

Application Process

The Professional Doctorate scheme has an annual admission date in October, and applications are welcomed until 1 June. Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. As part of the application process, applicants are required to provide two references, evidence of qualifications, a personal statement, and a research proposal regarding the research topic they intend to pursue for the thesis stage of their studies.

Funding

Funding for professional doctorate candidates is typically provided by employers, though some students are self-funded. The fee structure for the professional doctorate program consists of sixteen modules in total: six taught modules and the equivalent of ten taught modules for the thesis stage. Candidates for the Professional Doctorate program may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.