Overview

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 carry out your project ideas. You will have the opportunity to gain ethical approval on your proposal, before collecting primary data, designed to help answer a research question of particular interest to you and the field. This module provides the opportunity to put into practice the competencies gained throughout your Masters across a range of disciplines e.g. subject specific expertise and statistical analytical skills, as well as transferable skills such as critical thinking or being able to disseminate findings effectively to academics and/or practitioners.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -•(C) Insufficient to fulfil the associated learning outcomes •Deficiencies in Knowledge even of key areas/principles•No evidence of understanding, even of main areas•No evidence of background study•Answer relies on tangential material and lacks a coherent structure•No arguments presented •Many factual/computational errors•No original interpretation •No links between topics are described•No attempt to solve problems•The presentation is very weak containing many inaccuracies -good -(B) •Strong knowledge•Understands most but not all•Evidence of background study•Focussed answer with good structure•Arguments presented coherently•Mostly free of factual/computational errors•Some limited original interpretation •Well known links between topics are described•Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches•Good presentation with accurate communication -excellent -(A) •Comprehensive knowledge•Detailed understanding •Extensive background study•Highly focussed answer and well structured•Logically presented and defended arguments•No factual/computational errors•Original interpretation •New links between topics are developed•New approach to a problem•Excellent presentation with very accurate communication

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of relevant literature to justify a specific research question and associated hypotheses.

• Effectively communicate your Research Project via an academic written report, which should be presented in line with a selected journal article.

• Interpret research findings in relation to current knowledge and indicate how these might inform practice.

• Obtain ethical approval for a research study.

• Select, execute and interpret appropriate statistical tests.