Module overview
The dissertation builds on work undertaken across other modules and provides you with an opportunity to undertake a piece of independent research in a chosen topic. Normally, your dissertation will be individually supervised.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Know the research process and understand methods of data collection and analysis and apply them in a self-reliant manner
- Choose a feasible research design, project plan and structure
- Understand the approaches by which research and critical awareness of debates in education can be utilised to construct a scholarly argument.
- Devise appropriate research questions relevant to your research topic.
- Have a detailed knowledge and understanding of your chosen dissertation project and its potential impact on practice.
- Acquire appropriate Ethical and Research Governance approvals, where appropriate.
- Critically evaluate an appropriate range of relevant primary source materials and arguments .
- Develop your own ideas and organise a project independently but with supportive guidance
Syllabus
In studying this module you will cover aspects of the following:
- Strategies for focusing and managing the research process.
- Quantitative and qualitative methodologies and approaches to research.
- Key data collection methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation).
- Methods for analysing and interpreting data.
- Dissertation writing and presentation skills
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The dissertation builds on work undertaken across other taught modules and provides you with an opportunity to undertake an independent project in a chosen topic. Students are expected to manage their project independently with academic guidance and support by their supervisor. Supervisory support is provided via tutorials and/or electronic feedback and communication, as appropriate.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 600 |
| Total study time | 600 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Robson, C (2002). Real World Research. Oxford: Blackwell.
Doing Quantitative Research in Education with SPSS. London: Sage.
Yin, R (2003). Applications of case study research. Sage: London.
How to conduct Surveys: A Step by Step Guide. London: Sage.
Creswell, J. (2014). Educational research: planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research.. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Newby, P (2010). Research Methods for Education. Edinburgh: Pearson Education Ltd..
Competing paradigms in Qualitative research . In Denzin, N. & Lincoln, Y. (eds). The Landscape of Qualitative Research: Theories and Issues. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Qualitative Research in Education- A User's Guide. London: Sage.
Bell, J (2014). Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.
(2014). Conducting Research Literature Reviews. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Introduction to Research methods in Education. London: Sage.
Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches .. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Thomas, G (2013). How to do your research project: a guide for students in education and applied social sciences. London: Sage.
A Teacher's Guide to Classroom Research.. Buckingham: Open University.
Action Research: Principles and Practice. London: Routledge.
Content Analysis: An Introduction to its Methodology .. London: Sage.
Interviews: Learning the Craft of Qualitative Research Interviewing. London: Sage.
Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2011). Research Methods in Education. London: Routledge.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External