Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To allow students to undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice, subject to the approval of the supervisor. To enable the development of relevant generic and subject-specific research methods and skills.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module involves individual meetings between student and supervisor (minimum of 8) plus independent research by the student according to topic, ending in production of a research dissertation of up to 15 000 words.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Increased knowledge in area of research to MA standard. On completion of this module the student will have an understanding and appreciation of the entire range of the research process: from identifying an area of interest, developing a research question, identifying appropriate methodology, implementing the study, managing and interpreting empirical or literature data, and writing up the research work in an extended piece of writing. The process will enable students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Ability to plan research project, analyse concepts, select appropriate research methods, communicate findings in written form, manage research time.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The student is enabled through regular contact with the dissertation supervisor to acquire and practice all the designated skills, and to increase their knowledge of the subject area to at least MA level.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The dissertation allows the student to demonstrate his or her research skills both in the collection of the material (literature review and data) and in the production of an extended piece of academic writing. The dissertation provides an extensive test of the students’ understanding of the theoretical aspects of the course, and their ability to devise, plan and implement a research proposal thus demonstrating relevant information gathering skills, to place acquired empirical and other data into a theoretical framework, to construct and represent complex arguments, and to critically analyse their own and others' research. It also tests the students’ practical writing and presentational skills.

General Notes

N/A