Introductory description

The module aims to allow students to synthesise, apply and extend the knowledge they have gained in the taught component of their course. The investigation of a contemporary research topic will help to develop students' theoretical and practical understanding of current problems in their pathway area, as well as their research and communication skills. Emphasis will be placed on taking a critical approach to the assumptions of prior literature and the methodologies they adopt to address their research question.

Module web page

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.

Students will be allocated an individual supervisor to undertake planning and execution. Lectures will include:
Selecting a dissertation topic
Research methodology and selection
Reviewing literature
Proposal planning.

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate an in-depth comprehension of the current literature in the topic area, including the boundaries of current knowledge and where these may be extended.
• Critically review relevant literature leading to the formation of testable hypotheses or research questions
• Understand the limitations of knowledge and current technologies in their chosen area.
• Fully appreciate and thoroughly explain the limitations of the research project and describe how these could be overcome by future research; be realistic in what conclusions can safely be drawn as a result of their own research

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Research element

Literature Review, Hypothesis Development, Data Collection and Analysis, Deriving Implications for Theory and Practice

Interdisciplinary

Depending on topic.

International

Depending on topic.

Subject specific skills

Construct and sustain an argument through a major piece of work.
Use appropriate conceptual models for developing hypotheses or research questions
Develop, apply and interpret the outcome of appropriate tests of the hypotheses or research questions.
Apply appropriate analytical methods to investigate their research question.

Transferable skills

Use university/library resources to generate information/datasets for use in the project.
Written communication.