This module comprises of two main sections: the Research Methods component and the Dissertation:
Section A: Research Methods
The aim of section A is to introduce students to the principles of good research practice and to prepare them for the research process required of a master’s dissertation.
Section B: Dissertation
Building upon the Research Methods Module students will apply their knowledge of principles of good research practice by designing, conducting and writing up their own dissertation.
Indicative Syllabus: Section A
Reviewing the literaturePlanning the research processResearch design and sampling.Ethical considerations in research.Qualitative research: principles, methods and practiceQuantitative research: principles, approaches and practiceData analysis and presentation of informationDeveloping an effective research proposalGuidelines for writing the dissertation
Indictive Syllabus: Section B
Students are guided by their supervisors to complete their dissertation including introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, analysis and conclusion chapters. Guidance is also provided on research ethical submission and research design, execution and analysis.
Section A
The module will be taught by lectures incorporating discussion of relevant literature, problem-solving exercises, group work, peer and self-assessment, readings and web based exercises. Students will have access to additional research resources through Brightspace.
Section B
Students shall be assigned a research supervisor to guide them through the research and
writing process. Students will also continue to have access to lecture notes and additional
research resources through Brightspace. The supervisor will provide feedback on draft
material to ensure that:
- the candidate is using the correct academic style and approach;
- there is required rigor, breadth and depth;
- there is relevance and appropriate referencing;
- the overall structure of the work is appropriate.
Each student and supervisor will maintain a logbook to record meetings, agreed tasks and a
plan of work to ensure the research is advanced. Students are given detailed guidelines and
regulations on research dissertations.
Optional research skills workshops will provide students with an opportunity to develop key research skills in the areas of data organization and quantitative data analysis.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |