WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY IN AFRICA

Addressing gender disparity and fostering equity in university education

Department of Social Work

Updated dissertation guidelines

For

Bachelor of social science Honours Degree in Social Work

Diploma in Social Work

Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work

Master of Social Work (taught & MPHIL)

Updated October 2023

Front pages
i. Title page-University logo and name, your full names, registration number, declaration
statement showing what is being fulfilled by your dissertation
ii. Declaration
iii. Release form
iv. Acknowledgements
v. Dedication
vi. Plagiarism report
vii. Marking guide
viii. Abstract (3 ¼ of an A4 page, single spaced, italicized). Clearly indicate the focus of the
study, methodology (design, sampling techniques & sample size, data collection methods
and tools), findings, recommendations and conclusions)
ix. Table of contents
x. Table of figures
N.B: This section should be inserted using Roman Numerals, and these numbers should be distinct from those of
the primary document.
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1.0. Introduction- This an introduction to chapter one not the entire dissertation.
Avoid excessive citations. One paragraph is sufficient.

1.1. Background to study (Please note: Its not background of study). Provide global,
regional, and local perspectives on the issue(s) under investigation. Demonstrate
that from a global, regional, and local perspective, the problem under
investigation deviates from the norm. In certain instances, please provide
statistical data.

1.2. Statement of the problem: This should be concise and to the point. Contrast the
ideal world with the actual. This is the problem that only affects your intended
population. The first sentence of this section should describe the dysfunctional
aspect of the population, geography, or cluster you are targeting. Citations are
discouraged unless they strengthen your problem statement. Please avoid
anticipating responses in this section.

1.3. Study aim: break your topic into expected outcome

1.4. Objectives: Use the SMART concept. They need to be variable-specific. Where
do you wish to accomplish your goals? Each objective should begin with the word
'To' and be numbered.
1.5. Conceptual framework and study hypotheses. This is not applicable in
qualitative research
1.6. Justification of the study: Remember that not all problems merit thorough
investigation. Consider why conducting your research is worthwhile. Show how
your research will contribute to:
 Body of knowledge (existing literature)
 Social policy Policy/programmes
 Community/study participants (Education 5.0)
 University (curriculum, teaching pedagogy etc.)
1.7. Definition of key terms
1.8. Dissertation outline
1.9. Chapter Summary
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0. Introduction
2.1. Theoretical framework (please choose a relevant theory for your research). How do the
characteristics of your theory explain the existence of the problem? Integrate study objectives to
demonstrate the significance of your theory. Demonstrate the connection between the chosen
theory and the study objectives.
2.3 Main literature: It should contain subthemes in accordance with your research objectives.
Please note that you must review each of your objectives. Do not approach your themes with a
global, regional, and local focus. However, when conducting a literature review based on your
objectives, you must include global, regional, and local literature on your topic.

N.B Please note that literature review and literature narration are not identical. In the literature
review, you should identify the research voids that your study will fill. These may be conceptual,
geographical, methodological, results-based, and time-bound, among others. The most important
query to ask yourself is "So what?"
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CHAPTER THREE: RSEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0. Introduction

3.1. Research approach: It can be quantitative, qualitative, or hybrid methodology may be

employed. Justify your choices with options. These justifications should not be focused on the
book, but rather on your research. What do you hope to accomplish with this strategy? Always
discuss your objectives.

3.2. Research design: Please refer to designs pertinent to your research methodology. Justify
your choices with justifications. These justifications should not be focused on the book, but
rather on your research. What do you hope to accomplish with this design? Always communicate
your study objectives.

3.3. Study setting: Describe the characteristics of your research site in detail. The reader should
comprehend why your region was selected over others.

3.4. Target population: who has the characteristics to provide answers for your research? Justify
your selection of this population

3.5. Sampling techniques and sample size: Your sampling methods should align with your
research methodology and design. Please explain how you used this technique and why you
chose it. How did you scientifically ascertain your sample size?

3.6. Data collection methods and research instruments: Align these research methods with the
research design you've chosen. Clearly demonstrate the methods and instruments used,
explaining how and why they were employed. Refer to your study objectives for the answer. The
majority of qualitative researchers believe that interviews are only pertinent to qualitative
research. This is incorrect, as quantitative research can also be conducted using structured
interviews. Also, ensure that the use of in-depth interviews is not misconstrued. In qualitative
research, key informant interviews are also in-depth, just like all other interviews. For
clarification, qualitative interviews include both semi-structured and unstructured interviews.

3.7. Research procedure: Describe each step you took from seeking permission to composing
the report

3.8. Validity and reliability/trustworthiness

3.9. Data analysis approach

3.10. Limitations: Be practical and provide solutions to those limitations.

3.11. Chapter Summary

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CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, INTERPREATION, ANALYSIS AND

DISCUSSION

1.1. Introduction

1.2. Demographic characteristics of study participants/respondents (if

applicable))

1.3. Themes (should be derived from each objective). Please ensure that each
objective has a distinct subtheme. The presentation of data should correspond to
the methodology selected in chapter three. Please seek guidance on how to
present data if you are using a hybrid methodology to avoid disjointed data
presentation. All tables and figures must have labels and be editable. For those
employing a strictly qualitative methodology, each theme should include at least
three direct quotations.

Rule: Present (putting your findings in your own words), interpret (what inferences or
deductions can be drawn from the findings), analyse (what you can say about those deductions-
what is your voice as a researcher), and discuss (how your study findings relate to the literature's
theoretical framework-do they concur or contrast-if they contrast, what could be the reasons for
this) the results of your research.
N.B. Do not isolate findings from discussions. Prior to continuing on to other sections, each
subtheme must be introduced, interpreted, analysed, and discussed.
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CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. Introduction

5.2 Summary: This is a summary of the results, not the entire dissertation. Each objective's
findings should be summarised.

5.3. Conclusions (what did your research teach you)? Be precise and concise.

5.4. Implications for social work: How your findings affect the practice of social work
(methods, settings, training, ethics, etc.).

5.5. Recommendations: Avoid generalisations. These are not general points but description of
what must be done and clearly indicating who should do what and what with clear timeframes
where pertinent. Do not fixate on phrases such as "government must." Solving community
problems is a shared obligation. Your recommendations should be based on Education 5.0 with
measurable outcomes that are crystal clear. Your recommendations may adopt the following
approach:

 Policy/programmatic recommendations
 Stakeholders/partners based recommendations
 Community/research participants based recommendations
 Social work based recommendations

5.6. Focus for future study: What did you omit from this study that future research could
concentrate on to better comprehend the topic? Any deficiencies in the current study that need to
be addressed in the future

5.7. Chapter Summary

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REFEFERENCES (Preferable Harvard style). APA is acceptable. Please adhere consistently

to your selected citation style. Do not blend. Only academics used in-text should appear in the
reference list. Please utilise contemporary reference management software such as Procite,
Endnote, Mendeley, Zotero, and Citavi, among others.

Appendices (attach all data capture tools with a University logo and ethical introduction
statements). Attach authorization letter.