Overview

• Group seminars
• Individual supervision meetings
• Independent study and research

Supervision meetings will include discussion and guidance relating to: * Research questions and aims of the study * Timeline for completion of the dissertation * Procedures and documentation for ethical approval * Key literature and debates within the relevant field * Preparing a sound literature review * Methodology and methods for the project * Planning the data collection process * Organising and analysing data * Critical reflection and reflexivity about the research process * Implications of the research on academic debates and professional practice

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59% pass: The work demonstrates some reasonable knowledge and understanding of key areas and debates, but there is limited evidence of originality or of wider engagement with literature within the field of Childhood and Youth studies. The work contains some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure. Arguments are presented but they lack overall coherence. Methodological issues are given some attention. Presentation and discussion of data lacks coherence, offering little or no insight into the potential impact of findings.The work contains factual/computational errors with little evidence of insight or consideration of potential impact of findings. There are some weaknesses in the standard of the presentation and its accuracy -good -60-69%:Work displays sound knowledge and understanding of chosen research topic but with some limitations in relation to the broader field of Childhood and Youth studies. There is evidence of some engagement with relevant literature and broader debates. The work had a defined and logical structure but with some weaknesses in the way in which arguments are presented. Methodological issues are well explored, but limited in depth. Data is presented, analysed and discussed quite clearly, but with limited consideration of the potential impact of findings.There is some original interpretation and demonstration of links between topics. The work is presented carefully with accurate communication and few factual or computational errors -excellent -70-89%Work displays comprehensive knowledge and critical understanding of the chosen research topic in relation to the broader context of Childhood and Youth Studies. Discussion reflects extensive engagement with key literature and significant insight into major areas of debate. The work is highly focussed, well structured, logically presented and with defended arguments. Methodological issues are carefully and critically explored. Data is presented, analysed and discussed logically and coherently, offering important and deep consideration of the potential impact of findings.The work contains original interpretation and new links between topics are developed. The work is presented to a high standard with accurate communication and no factual or computational errors.90-100% Outstanding: Dissertation achieving this grade demonstrate exceptional scholarship thatis worthy of publication, or is instrumental in developing professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

• Competently understand, evaluate and apply research methodology and methods pertinent to their area of research

• Critically analyse and evaluate contemporary debates drawn from academic research in the field of childhood and youth studies;

• Critically evaluate and discuss research literature aligned to chosen research topic

• Demonstrate the insight and qualities of a reflective and reflexive researcher

• Generate, analyse and discuss research findings coherently and critically

• Show significant insight into methodological and ethical issues pertinent to research involving or about children and/or young people