Aims

The module aims to build student confidence in designing, executing and disseminating a small-scale piece of research.

Building upon the modules MCH1025 Critical Skills and MCH2069 Research Design & Practice, the module further connects research project preparation at Stage 1 and Stage 3 of our undergraduate programmes. The module focuses upon the process and practice of research projects, looking at the fundamental philosophical issues of research and enquiry and practical information on data collection/dissemination techniques. The module explores idea generation tools and how to construct a research proposal and enables students to undertake a small-scale group research project prior to their independent Stage 3 research dissertation or final practice project.

By the end of the module, students will have had the opportunity to collaborate with peers on a research project, execute a research plan and produce creative output for dissemination of findings.

Outline Of Syllabus

Topics covered on the module may include:
Epistemology
Methodology in practice
Creative research design/execution
Research process and co-ordination
Collaboration and group work
Ethics in research
Dissemination and creative output

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will present theories, methods, and working practices used in collaborative development of research methods to address real-world challenges which demand integrated technical, social and cultural solutions.

Small-group teaching will take the form of seminars exploring lecture topics and will also be used to establish groups to address particular briefs by collaboratively developing creative output. Seminars will also afford opportunities to review and engage critically with research dissemination from the media in any given week and for peer criticism sessions of groups’ project work.

Seminars will enable students to practice and develop skills in collaborative group work that will enable their team to develop strategies that address their research topic.

Project work will allow students to work individually, in sub-groups, and/or as a project group to increase their understanding of core texts and to work on the development of their group’s project.

The summative assessment seminars will be a useful space for peer reflection, review and engagement with the dissemination outputs of other student groups on the module. Inclusivity can be embedded into the assessment format through potential for remote attendance on the day via live video streaming, or pre-recorded material if required/appropriate.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessments on the module enable students to exhibit the practical application of research methods in a creative and collaborative manner.

The assessment provides students with an opportunity to practice and enhance skills that will be beneficial for completion of a Stage 3 independent research dissertation/final practice project, or for collaborative work in future settings.

The formative assessment will be compulsory and enables students to practice presentation skills and receive feedback on progress/project trajectory.

The final summative assessment provides students with the opportunity to complete a piece of collaborative research throughout the semester and produce creative output that can be disseminated through appropriate platforms, media and contexts. The creative output will form the basis of a short group presentation whereby the key findings, outcomes and impact can be reflected upon.

The assessment allows students to enhance skills in independent working and collaboration alongside delivery of presentation and creative output material. Upon successful completion of the module, the final assessment output can contribute to a rich and varied portfolio of work that students build through progression on their degree programmes.