Course Information

FS2 Master of Arts (Family Support)
Part Time
College of Arts, Social Sciences, & Celtic Studies
Course code(s): GYA07
Course Location: University of Galway - Main Campus
Start Date: 2022-09-01
FS2

Module information for course: 'FS2'


Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Glossary of Terms

Credits
You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
Module
An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
Optional
A module you may choose to study.
Required
A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
Semester
Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.

Year 1 (45 Credits)

Required SP576: Child Protection and Family Support


Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP576: "Child Protection and Family Support" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP577: Community Development and Families


Semester 2 | Credits: 5


(Language of instruction: English)

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP577: "Community Development and Families" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP574: Families and Children in Society and Policy I


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5


(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Participants understand key theoretical frameworks and concepts for thinking about families, children and young people
  2. Participants can effectively analyse and reflect on key issues in family life for children, young people and parents
  3. Participants are aware of and able to analyse key policies relevant to children, youth and families
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP574: "Families and Children in Society and Policy I" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP6155: Research Methods for the Applied Social Science


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module aims to give students a solid grounding in research methods. The topics covered include definitions of research, argument and logic, sources of information, tools for information searches, theory and practice of basic qualitative and quantitative research methods. The module will be conducted in a lecture format with recommended preparatory readings and practical exercises.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify research questions and design appropriate research strategies for specific political and/or social issues.
  2. Assess the applicability of qualitative and/or quantitative methods to specific research questions.
  3. Arrange and construct the research process from posing a research question to analysing the collected data.
  4. Review and critically evaluate social science research methods and methodologies.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Social Research Methods" by Bryman, A.,
    Publisher: Oxford
  2. "Introducing Social Research Methods" by Ruane, Janet M
    Publisher: Wiley
  3. "The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods" by Bickman, Leonard & Rog, Debra J
    Publisher: Sage
  4. "Interpretation and method : empirical research methods and the interpretive turn" by Yanow et al
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module SP6155: "Research Methods for the Applied Social Science" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP6129: Applied Family Support Seminars


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module explores example of Family Support in Practice across a number of different areas. This includes individual work, group work, family work and parenting support.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Students will consider the transferable skills in Family Support across a number of different contexts
  2. Students will become familiar with the challenges associated with delivery Family Support in practice
  3. Students will reflect on the impact of family Support across a number of contexts
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP6129: "Applied Family Support Seminars" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP572: Family Support Theory I


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP572: "Family Support Theory I" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP573: Family Support Practice I


Semester 2 | Credits: 10

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP573: "Family Support Practice I" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP530: Working with Specific Populations


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP530: "Working with Specific Populations" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional SP6124: Dissertation Workshops


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module provides the opportunity for students to engage in a series of workshops relevant to the development of their dissertations. The workshops are led by academic staff with diverse and varied research experience. The workshop topics include academic writing, critical thinking, and the development of a research proposal, along with workshops focused on specific fields of research.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Design research study.
  2. Identify and critically analyse arguments.
  3. Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally.
  4. Prepare for and engage in workshops on these topics.
  5. Complete projects that are well presented, based on independent research, correctly referenced, and cogently argued.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (70%)
  • Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (30%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Principles of biomedical ethics" by Beauchamp, Tom L. and James F. Childress
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
  2. "Qualitative research methods for the social sciences" by Bruce Berg
    Publisher: Pearson
  3. "Ethical argument" by Hugh Mercer Cutler
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
The above information outlines module SP6124: "Dissertation Workshops" and is valid from 2022 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Year 2 (45 Credits)

Required SP6153: Research Support Workshop


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module aims to support student gain independent research skills. Students have opportunities to participate in a range of workshops relevant to the development of their dissertation or research project. Possible workshop topics include academic writing, critical thinking, literature review, methods selection, working with primary sources, community based research, and the development of a research proposal, along with workshops focused on specific fields of research.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Prepare a research/project proposal consistent with postgraduate standards.
  2. Communicate clear rationales for each element of a research study design.
  3. Produce a competent review of literature and/or resources relevant to their research project.
  4. Complete a project that is well presented, based on independent research, correctly referenced, and cogently argued.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Social Research Methods" by Bryman, A
    Publisher: Oxford
  2. "Introducing Social Research Methods" by Ruane, Janet M
    Publisher: Wiley
  3. "The SAGE Handbook of Applied Social Research Methods" by Bickman, Leonard & Rog, Debra J
    Publisher: Sage
  4. "Interpretation and method : empirical research methods and the interpretive turn" by Yanow et al.
    Publisher: Routledge
The above information outlines module SP6153: "Research Support Workshop" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP6154: Family Support Dissertation


Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 15

The dissertation/final research project module shall enable the student to acquire the knowledge, comprehension, abilities and perspectives needed for conducting independent research. The module will allow the student to work under supervision while developing their writing, research, analytical skills and completing a research dissertation/final research project or research portfolio. The overall goal is for the student to display the knowledge and capability for independent work at postgraduate level.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify a critical research problem and translate this into a well-designed, applied and academic project of investigation and understanding.
  2. Acquire a thorough understanding of the chosen subject area and the wider theoretical, policy and practice literature within which the subject is framed.
  3. Demonstrate an ability to organise, collate, critically assess and interpret data.
  4. Demonstrate a capacity to effectively communicate new knowledge in a social scientific manner.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP6154: "Family Support Dissertation" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP579: Family Support Theory II


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP579: "Family Support Theory II" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP580: Family Support Practice II


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP580: "Family Support Practice II" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP582: Law and Family Support


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP582: "Law and Family Support" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Required SP583: Health Promotion and Families


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP583: "Health Promotion and Families" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional SP584: Thesis Research Seminars


Semester 2 | Credits: 20

Assessments
  • Research (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP584: "Thesis Research Seminars" and is valid from 2014 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Optional SP581: Families and Children in Society and Policy II


Semester 2 | Credits: 5

Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module SP581: "Families and Children in Society and Policy II" and is valid from 2021 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.