Aims and Fit of Module

This module aims to provide guidance and training in the skills required for dissertation project. It is also an opportunity for students to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that they can later apply to their master’s dissertation topic.

Learning outcomes

A. Analyse, synthesise, and critically evaluate scholarly work to give a clear picture of the state of the art on a particular research topic.
B. Understand and be able to participate within the legal, social, ethical and professional framework for research projects.
C. Structure, write and deliver formal presentations such as technical and research reports, adhering to relevant codes of practice.

Method of teaching and learning

In this module we wish to foster independent learning, within a framework that includes a series of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Formal lectures and tutorials: In order to convey the concepts and methods covered in this module, students will be expected to attend two to three hours of formal lectures or seminars in a typical week.

Seminars: These are intended to allow students to familiarise themselves with current research and allow them to report their analyses of these. In addition, some seminars will be based around guest lecturers from academic or industry specialists.

Tutorials: These are intended to support students to complete assignments.

Private study:
In a typical week students will be expected to devote 40 hours of unsupervised time to private study. The time allowed per week for private study will typically include 10 hours for reflection and consideration of lecture material and background reading and 30 hours for completion of the assessment tasks.