Run by School of Human and Behavioural Sciences

20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Anthony Blanchfield

Project design and effective planning are integral skill-sets for many employability pathways. This module has been developed to help you plan and design your own project in an area of interest to you. This choice may be based on career aspirations, previous experience and expertise, or equally, just because you are passionate about a particular topic area. However, your project proposal should be driven by a research question, which is designed to answer an impactful and pertinent question, still unanswered within the current sports science evidence base. This module will help prepare you for a Research Project module, where you will be given the opportunity to gain ethical approval for and carry out your proposed project.

This module provides the opportunity to work closely with, and be supported by, an expert member of staff on a one-to-one or small group basis to help develop your ideas. You will be supported to advance your understanding of the current knowledge base in an area of interest to you, as well as your problem-solving, writing and presentation skills in preparation to be able to articulate ideas effectively to relevant parties e.g. practitioners, academics.

excellent

Comprehensive critique of relevant literature and theory to justify project rationale and hypotheses. Arguments are communicated clearly and concisely. Excellent application of relevant methodological approaches and proposed data analysis techniques. A high level of understanding with regards to potential problems and possible solutions.

threshold

A satisfactory overview of relevant literature and theory to justify project rationale and hypotheses. Arguments are communicated in a superficial manner. Satisfactory application of relevant methodological approaches and proposed data analysis techniques. A basic level of understanding with regards to potential problems and possible solutions.

good

A very good critique of relevant literature and theory to justify project rationale and hypotheses. Arguments are communicated clearly and concisely. Very good application of relevant methodological approaches and proposed data analysis techniques. Very good understanding with regards to potential problems and possible solutions.

1. Demonstrate a range of communication skills appropriate to the outcomes of postgraduate study, including the production of a verbal proposal presentation and written proposal.

2. Provide evidence of a critical and analytical approach to how scientific data might be collected, organised and interpreted.

3. Critically appraise ideas and empirical findings in order to formulate research hypotheses that address a chosen research question.

4. Develop and propose an appropriate methodological approach in line with your research question.

		Hours
One-to-one supervision	This course will be taught through supervisory meetings, which will support and guide independent study. Students will work closely with a member of staff to develop their project proposal. It will be the responsibility of the student maintain contact with their supervisor and organise regular tutorials.	20
Private study	Students will need to complete private study, consisting of reading and assignment preparation.	180

• Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
• Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
• Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
• Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
• Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
• Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
• Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
• Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
• Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
• Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
• Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
• Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
• Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

• research and assess paradigms, theories, principles, concepts and factual information, and apply such skills in explaining and solving problems
• critically assess and evaluate data and evidence in the context of research methodologies and data sources
• describe, synthesise, interpret, analyse and evaluate information and data relevant to a professional or vocational context
• plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent intellectual work, which provides evidence of critical engagement with, and interpretation of, appropriate data
• apply knowledge to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems
• develop a sustained reasoned argument, perhaps challenging previously held assumptions
• demonstrate effective written and/or oral communication and presentation skills
• work effectively independently and with others
• take and demonstrate responsibility for their own learning and continuing personal and professional development
• self-appraise and reflect on practice
• project manage and execute practical activities using appropriate techniques and procedures whilst demonstrating high levels of relevant skills
• demonstrate an understanding of the philosophical basis of scientific paradigms
• demonstrate evidence of competence in the scientific methods of enquiry, and interpretation and analysis of relevant data and statistical outputs.
• develop transferable skills of relevance to careers outside of sport, health and exercise sciences.
• communicate succinctly at a level appropriate to different audiences.
• develop justifiable and/or evidence-based interventions

Reading list

Fields, A. (2013). Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics. (4th ed.). SAGE.

Compulsory in courses:

• B6AP: MSc Exercise Rehabilitation year 1 (MSC/EXREHAB)
• C6AV: MSc Sport and Exercise Physiology year 1 (MSC/SEP)
• C6AW: MSc Sport and Exercise Science year 1 (MSC/SES)
• B6AN: MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology year 1 (MSC/SPEXPSY)