Introductory description

A research project which utilises research skills and knowledge accrued from previous BA Top Up modules Research Appraisal and Research Ethics (Ce326 and Ce327) as well as develops methodolo

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module covers the following topics:

the nature and purpose of research;
research paradigms and philosophical issues;
the role of research in counselling and psychotherapy;
the research process and research design issues;
reviewing the literature;
ethical issues in research;
writing a research proposal;
qualitative approaches to material collection and analysis;
dissertation: planning, structure and style.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to choose appropriate methods in response to chosen research questions; Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and apply appropriate research methods and best practice in terms of research ethics; Carry out a small-scale research project in counselling and psychotherapy; Present the research findings in relation to the published literature in appropriate written form.

Research element

This is a research module and so these elements have been described elsewhere in this document.

Subject specific skills

Create a clear statement of the focus of the research project relevant to counselling and psychotherapy in a research proposal;
Confirm appropriate research questions and gain ethical approval for the study;
Select and apply appropriate research methods;
Carry out the supervised research/ethical inquiry in counselling and psychotherapy;

Transferable skills

Work on own initiative and cooperate with others
Produce a dissertation and present material in clear written form by identifying, analysing and applying key texts and practices using appropriate and adequate structure, spelling, grammar, syntax, length and referencing
Research skills as set out under subject specific skills which could be applied to other professional and academic areas.