Module overview
This module provides you with a structure and some key milestones in the preparation and development and implementation of a selected research project. Your small-scale project can take different forms and be situated in a range of contexts. For example, a qualitative exploration, a quantitative examination or some form of investigation and analysis of an appropriate topic. You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor who will guide your independent research design, data collection and write up, according to accepted academic standards.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge and further develop your skills in quantitative and/or qualitative research.
- Construct clear, detailed and logical line of reasoning.
- Design, formulate research questions within education and produce, within the scope of an undergraduate programme, a substantial, independent project.
- Demonstrate appropriate analysis, evaluation, synthesis and criticality on a focussed topic within education.
- Conduct research and process data for analysis and synthesise information effectively, taking due account of ethics and research governance.
- Produce and present a substantial, independent piece of work within an allocated time and word limit.
- Present and articulate findings in a coherent, well-structured and sustained manner.
Syllabus
The individual nature of the projects identified and selected by the students under the guidance of the supervisor, makes it inappropriate to prescribe a detailed syllabus. There are however some key milestones identified regarding:
- Ethics and research governance;
- Writing up a research project; and
- Time management.
These are covered in taught sessions and through the guidance of the supervisor. Importantly the content of the selected project must relate to some aspect of Education as a discipline.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Front loaded taught sessions will focus on developing and understanding the requirements of achieving ethical and research governance approval for your proposed research project. These sessions will form the key initial tutorial with your allocated dissertation supervisor. A further taught session follows to address the process of writing up your research. You have the opportunity to seek advice and guidance from your allocated dissertation supervisor, normally to a maximum of seven tutorials.
- Lectures/Workshops
- Tutorials
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 13 |
| Independent Study | 287 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Other. Inter Library Loans Requests for research papers or books, which are not held in any of the University Libraries, are made through the 'Inter Library Loan' system. Please be aware that, depending on the nature of the source, access through the Inter Library Loan system can take several weeks.
Textbooks
Bell, J. and Waters, S. (2014). Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Time Researchers (Electronic Resource). Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.
Bowell, T. (2009). Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide - Electronic Resource. London: Routledge.
No Sweat! The Indispensable Guide to Reports and Dissertations, The Institute of Management Foundation. Corby: Institute of Management..
Bowell, T. (2010). Critical Thinking: A Concise Guide. London: Routledge.
Your dissertation in education. London: Sage.
How to do your research project: a guide for students in education and applied social sciences.. Los Angeles: Sage.
Doing your research project: A guide for first time researchers in education, health and social sciences. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill.
The Student's Guide to Research Ethics. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill OpenUniversity Press.
Paul, R. and Elder, L. (2013). Critical Thinking: Pearson New International Edition - Electronic Resource. Harlow: Pearson.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research project | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Research project | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External