A COURSEWORK weighted at 100% comprising.

A research report (length circa 1,500 words). Learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3
The report should investigate contemporary issues in an academic area closely linked with the students' field of work. There should be a critical evaluation of how the student¿s work practice could be enhanced as a result of this research.

A reflective report (length circa 1,500 words) Learning outcome 4
including:-
I. An introduction - this should summarise the student's professional and academic experience at the beginning of the award (informed by the Personal Development Plan).
II. A reflection on how the learning undertaken during the award has contributed to career development and prospects and how this maps on to the Personal Development Plan..
III. An action plan for future development requirements related to the student's career

This work will be reviewed formatively in weeks 3, 6 and 9 of the module (Each review will be attended by the Module tutor, and where possible the workplace mentor. These reviews will also have a summative element and will include feedback and advice being given to the student.

Research Methods
Reflection
Critical thinking
Students will be required to choose an area of research, which is closely linked to aspects of their work and prepare a proposal. The proposed research area MUST be approved by the Module leader/Portfolio Tutor who will ensure that it is of the right level and will enable the student to meet the learning outcomes of the module. It must then be signed off by the Mentor who will ensure that it relates closely to the work being undertaken by the student.

3 hours of contact time is allocated for each student for tuition from a named tutor. Without being prescriptive, it is anticipated that this will take the form of a number of individual scheduled meetings (virtual or in person) to discuss what is required for each coursework element and to answer questions.

3 hour long reviews (individual) with formative elements are scheduled for weeks 3, 6 and 9 of the module
E-support Material will be provided through the VLE to give an introduction to the module and its subject matter. It will focus on the processes of:-
- research and analysis skills
- report writing and reflection

It is anticipated that students will spend around 8 hours working through this material. Students will be encouraged to share their experiences using the VLE and other tools where necessary.

Work based learning will include the collection and collation of evidence relating to the investigation of how aspects of the research material apply to the student's own workplace - where possible, the workplace should be used as a case study for the research or to provide real-world examples to illustrate arguments. Students will have access to a workplace based mentor for guidance in the work-based component of this module.

Bell, J. Doing Your Research Project, 3rd edition, Buckingham, Open University Press 4 edition (1 Jun 2005) ISBN-13: 978-0335215041
Abbott, P. and Sapsford, R. (1997) Research Practice, Buckingham, Open University Press
Blaxter, L., Hughes, C., and Tight, M. (2007) 'How to Research' (Third Edition) (9780 335 21746) Buckingham: Open University Press
Cottrell, S. (1999) The Study Skills Handbook, London, Macmillan ISBN-13: 978-0333751893
Creme, P and Lea, M.R Writing at University, Buckingham, Open University Press 2 edition (4 Jul 2006)
Fairbairn, G. J. and Winch, C. (1998) Reading, Writing and Reasoning, 2nd edition, Buckingham, Open University Press
Hague, P. and Roberts, K. (1994) Presentations and Report Writing, London, Kogan Page
Hart, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review, London, Sage
Marshall, L. and Rouland, F. (1998) A Guide to Writing Independently, 3rd edition,
Peck, J. and Coyle, M. (1999) The Student's Guide to Writing, London, Macmillan
Stringer, E. T. (1999) Action Research, 2nd edition, London, Sage

Buckingham, Open University Press
Nawnes, W. and M. J. (1999) The Art and Craft of Report Writing, London, Kogan Page

None

Staffordshire University has subscriptions to the electronic book services such as Safari Tech Books, Ebrary and Netlibrary. There are titles in each of the collections that will support students studying this module. Staffordshire University has subscriptions to IEEExplore, ACM Digital Library, Elsevier Science Direct and Infotrac Computer Database all offering full text electronic access to journals and conference proceedings.