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 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 critical-thinking, writing and presentation skills in preparation to be able to articulate ideas effectively to relevant parties e.g. practitioners, academics.

Assessment Strategy

-Threshold -The proposal will demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of relevant literature and theory. There may be a lack of understanding of appropriate methodological techniques that could be used to achieve the dissertation aims. A superficial understanding of limitations of the literature and potential implications of dissertation findings will be presented to a basic level.

-Good -The proposal will demonstrate a very good critical understanding of relevant literature and theory. Appropriate methodological techniques to achieve the dissertation aims will be proposed. A very good understanding of limitations of the literature and potential implications of dissertation findings will be presented to a good level.

-Excellent -The proposal will demonstrate an excellent critique of relevant literature and theory. Appropriate methodological techniques to achieve the dissertation aims will be proposed. An excellent understanding of limitations of the literature and potential implications of dissertation findings will be presented in-depth.

Learning Outcomes

• Critically appraise empirical literature in order to formulate an appropriate dissertation aim / question.

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

• Develop and propose an appropriate methodological approach in line with your dissertation aim / question e.g. a discursive approach, meta-analysis or systematic review.

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