Run by School of Medical and Health Sciences

60.000 Credits or 30.000 ECTS Credits

Organiser: Dr Sara Lisabeth Roberts

This module provides students with the opportunity to complete a piece of research or scholarly enquiry related to their chosen MSc pathway or programme that will lead to an MSc degree award. The module will facilitate and guide students to enable them to undertake primary, secondary or literature based research. Each paradigm and methodology will produce its own challenges as primary, secondary or systematic literature reviews demand the demonstration of advanced Masters level research skills by students. This module demands a high level of student autonomy and independent enquiry which is reflected in the amount of supervision available to students. Students are encouraged to network with each other and participate in online discussions via Blackboard as well as making appropriate use of their allocated supervisor.

Research project management (strategies, time and resources) in order to complete the dissertation within the guidelines given and timescales available.

Critical appraisal of the literature.

Advanced skills in literature searching and the use of a wide range of resources.

Structuring and writing up a dissertation.

Comprehensive understanding of ethics, governance and good research practice.

Engaging with supervision, self direction and independent enquiry

good

Threshold B- grade. Demonstrate a good knowledge of key areas/principles related to the research topic and study design. Have strong evidence of exploration of theory related to the dissertation. Be focused on the dissertation learning outcomes with few examples of irrelevant material or weaknesses in structure. Presents relevant and logical arguments in line with the expectation of an MSc Dissertation. Contains few factual/computational errors. Good analysis and/or explanation of a range issues in relation to the topic and research design. Be free of many weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.

threshold

Threshold C- grade, minimum 50% (pass) Demonstrate knowledge of key areas/principles related to the research topic and study design. Have some, if only limited, evidence of exploration of theory related to the dissertation. Be focused on the dissertation learning outcomes with only some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure. Attempt to present relevant and logical arguments in line with the expectation of an MSc Dissertation. Not contain a large number of factual/computational errors. Attempt to analyse and/or explain issues explored in relation to the topic and research design. Be free of major weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.

excellent

Threshold A- grade. Demonstrate an excellent knowledge of key areas/principles related to the research topic and study design. Have comprehensive evidence of exploration of theory related to the dissertation. Be focused on the dissertation learning outcomes no irrelevant material or weaknesses in structure. Presents a wide range of relevant and logical arguments to a high standard within an MSc Dissertation. Contains no factual/computational errors. An excellent analysis and explanation of a wide range of issues explored in relation to the topic and research design. Be free of weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.

1. Articulate a strategy for disseminating the research project findings within the dissertation through a specific plan for implementation that will promote the use and impact of the findings.

2. Demonstrate an appropriate level of self-direction, autonomy and reflexivity as a novice researcher to develop and deliver a research project that corresponds to the MSc pathway undertaken.

3. Demonstrate resourceful and innovative formulation of the design, data collection, analysis and management of the research project, synthesising findings and drawing conclusions from the work undertaken.

4. Ensure that the interpretation of findings are relevant to contemporary theory, research and practice contexts where appropriate, as well as to the student’s role/specialism within their chosen MSc pathway.

5. Present a well-developed critical analysis of literature and evidence to provide a sound rationale for the project, building upon a sound theoretical framework and, where appropriate, relates to the practice context for the orientation of the research.

6. Use scholarly enquiry and critical analysis to plan, develop and implement a robust research project that justifies the research methodology, design, and techniques utilised.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	MSc Dissertation		100.00

		Hours
Practical classes and workshops	Module induction study day E-learning – Blackboard on-line forum and use of online resources as relevant to the research design	15
Individual Project	Primarily independent study which is supervised by 1:1 individual supervision with a nominated module supervisor (engagement on a monthly basis expected). Students can also access the Module Leader for additional support if required.	585

• 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.
• Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
• 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
• Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
• Caring - Showing concern for others; caring for children, people with disabilities and/or the elderly
• Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
• 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

Resource implications for students

Students may also need to fund materials for data collection such as questionnaires and expenses such as travel for data collection.

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/nhs-4233.html

Reading list

AVEYARD, H., 2009. Doing a literature review in health and social care: A practical guide. Maidenhead. McGraw-Hill.

BIGGAM, J., 2011. Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation: A step-by-step handbook 2nd Edition. Buckingham. Open University Press.

CASEY, D., CLARK, L., and HAYES, S., 2011. Study skills for Master’s level students: A health and social care workbook. Exeter. Reflect Press.

Text recommended for research methods

BELL, J., 2005. Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science, 4th Edition. Buckingham: Open University Press.

BOWLING, A., 2009. Research Methods in Health. 3rd Edition. Buckingham: Open University Press.

COLE, A.L., and KNOWLES, J.G., 2001. Lives in context: the art of life history research. Oxford: AltiMira.

FIELD, A., 2009. Discovering Statistics Using SPSS, 3rd Edition. London, Sage.

MAY, T., 2001. Qualitative Research in Action. London: Sage Publications.

DENZIN, N.K. and LINCON, Y.S., 20017. Handbook of Qualitative Research. London: Sage.

ANGUS, L.E and McLEOD, J., 2004. The handbook of narrative and psychotherapy; practice, theory and research. London: Sage Publications.

PLUMMER, K., 2001. Documents of life 2: an invitation to a critical humanism. Sage: London.

PALLANT, J., 2010. SPSS Survival Manual: A Step by Step Guide to Data Analysis Using SPSS for Windows, 4th Edition. Buckingham, Open University Press.

ROBERTS, B., 2002. Biographical Research. Buckingham: Open University Press.

Pre-requisites:

• NHS-4250: Research Methods

Co-requisites:

• NHS-4250: Research Methods