Run by School of Educational Sciences

360.000 Credits or 180.000 ECTS Credits

Organiser: Dr Susan Jones

To undertake an extended, independent critical and evaluative research project of 60,000 words on a relevant and appropriate academic topic of interest;

Students will have the opportunity to undertake an extended research project upon a topic of their own choice (within the field of Educational Leadership) to be agreed with the Programme Director/supervisor. The agreed subject area and methodological approach will, in the main, be expected to come within the broad areas of expertise within the programme staff.

threshold

Relevant aspects of the subject have been considered critically, without significant omissions. The project is feasible and due account has been given to practical issues. There is evidence of wide and relevant reading, referenced appropriately. The work is coherent and well-presented.

good

Relevant aspects of the subject have been considered critically, without significant omissions. The work is well-organised, and focused, shows insight, sustained and relevant chains of argument. The project is feasible, and due account has been given to practical and ethical issues. There is evidence of wide and relevant reading, referenced appropriately. The work is coherent and well-presented.

excellent

Relevant aspects of the subject have been considered critically, without significant omissions, The work is original, well-organised, and focused, shows insight, and an exceptional level of analysis. The project is feasible and ethical and practical issues have been considered in depth. Relevant areas of literature and theory are discussed in depth and reference appropriately. The work is fluent and well presented.

1. • Complete, within the defined timescale and to agreed standards, a significant independent empirical research project at postgraduate level 8, reflecting appropriate skills of assimilation, synthesis, argument, communication and presentation;

2. • Understand and apply appropriate ethical standards to their research design and in all their interactions related to the research project;

3. • Establish the present state of knowledge in a defined area and make a significant contribution to that knowledge;

4. • Demonstrate deep and insightful knowledge of their particular chosen topic for research and critically evaluate a breadth of accumulated information and interpretations, drawn from a wide range of sources;

5. • Demonstrate a critical awareness of relevant theoretical and conceptual considerations underpinning the research project.

Type	Name	Description	Weight
	Thesis		100.00

		Hours
Private study	Independent learning	3480
Tutorial	Up to 120 hours Scheduled Learning	120

• 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

Reading list

The bibliography for this module will reflect specific interests and research questions of the students at this stage of individual study.

Cohen, L., Manion, L., and Morrison, K. 2011. Research Methods in education. 7th Edition. Routledge: Abingdon.