SD1S27 - Exploring Public Services 01 Aug 2023 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: SD1S27
Module Title: Exploring Public Services
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Leadership and Public Services
Faculty Sub Group: Leadership and Public Services
Module Leader: Katharina Sarter
Module Team: Jessica Marshall
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100502 - social policy
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Aug 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

To develop understanding of the nature and practice of social science research

To enhance the development of key skills and approaches required for the effective study of public sector organisations

Content Summary

This module will introduce students to studying and researching Public Services

This content of the module will mix of:

Study skills, including adapting to be a higher education student

Research methods

Developing research skills

Critical thinking skills including logic and argument

The use of qualitative and quantitative data

Primary and Secondary data analysis

Public Service Values – ethics, organisational codes of conduct

Researching public sector organisations

Project Management

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Seminar 24
Fieldwork 8
Directed Study 72
Formative Assessment - Independent 72
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Explain the concepts involved in studying the public sector.
LO2 Discuss relevant issues relating to undertaking research in the public sector.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Portfolio Portfolio 1 Reflection on engagement with Research tasks. 0 2000 50 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Project (CW) 1 A detailed analysis of a public sector organisation involving research undertaken involving the use of data and/or primary sources. Individual submission, drawing on group activities undertaken in first six weeks of term (immersive learning) 0 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio 1
Project (CW) 1

Reading List

Bryman, A. (2015) Social Research Methods (5th ed.) Oxford, Oxford University Press

Cotterell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook (4th ed,) London, Palgrave Macmillan

Cotterell, S. (2017) critical Thinking Skills (3rd ed,) London, Palgrave Macmillan

Gilbert, N. and Stoneman, P. (2015) Researching Social Life London, Sage