The DSW at the University Of East Anglia

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The DSW at the University Of East Anglia

• Dr Beth Neil

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Outline of the degree

• 6 years part time, plus one year registration
  only (full time route also available)
• Designed as a research doctorate for social
  workers.
• An opportunity for experienced social workers to
  acquire skills in care analysis and research and
  to explore and develop areas of theory, policy
  and practice at a high level of enquiry.

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Assessment

• Part 1 Two case analyses (10-15,000 words) and a
  5,000 word research proposal. Students must pass
  to progress to part 2.
• Part 2 Research thesis (60,000). Examined by two
  examiners and viva (like PhD)

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Teaching/supervision

• In first two years students attend UEA once a
  month for case analyses classes and (added later)
  taught input on application of theory to practice
• Initial research methods training, plus
  individual training plans
• Can join Phd student group sessions once they
  start on part 2
• Supervision arrangements same as Ph.D

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Our experience

• 16 students registered from 1998-2002
• 2 have obtained the degree
• 2 are still studying
• 12 have withdrawn, most before submitting part 1
• This is comparable with part time, non staff
  Phds.

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Reasons students withdrew

• Time, money and work Few employers offered any
  financial help or time off, so most students were
  entirely self funding and remained in full time
  work
• Family pressures the sandwich generation
• Many not local or even in our region
• Academic pressures demands of doctoral study
  too much

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Who succeeds?

• 3 of the 4 successful or still going students
  employed in social work education

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Where are we now?

• To be viable we need more students (for peer
  support and because taught input is required)
• Problems with student applications and attrition
  likely to continue unless funding is available so
  students do not have to work full time
• DSW is suspended but we encourage experienced SWs
  to take Phd route, or pursue higher specialist or
  advanced awards.