Social Work Doctorate (DSW)

Program Overview

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program at Liverpool Hope University is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and practice through research. The program emphasizes individual learning, critical reflection, and independent research, culminating in a 50-60,000 word dissertation. Students benefit from personalized learning, experienced faculty supervision, and a supportive research community. The program prepares graduates for careers as researching professionals in higher education, leadership roles, and advanced social work practice.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• To meet the needs of social work professionals aspiring to advance their knowledge and practice through research.
• To equip professionals with the skills to conduct independent research, contribute to evidence-based knowledge, and improve their professional community.

Program Description:

• Designed for professionals with experience in various social work fields, including children, adult, and refugee support.
• Emphasizes individual learning, critical reflection, and independent research.
• Divided into two phases: Taught Phase and Research Phase.
• Taught Phase:
• Consists of three strands of taught study (six modules, 20 credits each).
• Includes development of a research proposal (60 credits).
• Research Phase:
• Supervised thesis project focusing on a chosen area of research.
• Culminates in a 50-60,000 word dissertation.

Outline:

• Part 1 - Year 1:
• Engaging with Research - Knowledge, Truth and Values in Research
• Yourself as Researcher - Professional Identity and Values
• Research Skills and Methods
• Research Proposal (development)
• Part 1 - Year 2-3:
• Engaging with Research - Research, Policy and Practice
• Yourself as Researcher - Practitioner Research in Context
• Research Skills and Methods (continued)
• Research Proposal (continued)
• Part 2 - Years 3-5:

Teaching:

• Program structure:
• Part 1: Taught over five weekends per year (October, December, February, March, and May).
• Each weekend: Fridays (1pm onwards) and Saturdays.
• Mix of interactive workshops and seminar discussions.
• Limited cohort size for personalized learning and sharing expertise.
• All modules and assessments support independent research proposal development.
• Annual conference brings together students from all phases of the program.
• Research phase supervision:
• Faculty:
• Experienced academics and active researchers.

Careers:

• Geared towards experienced professionals seeking to become researching professionals.
• Potential career paths include:
• Higher education positions
• Leadership roles within professional settings
• Students may be eligible for Doctoral Loans.
• Part of the School of Social Sciences, known for its research and teaching in Sociology, Criminology, Disability Studies, and Health and Social Care.
• The School emphasizes social justice and collaborates with the Social Work Action Network (SWAN).
• Research interests particularly encouraged include international social work, social problems analysis, and children's lives and participation.
• Assessment methods and criteria

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