Abbott, P. and Sapsford, R. (1997) Research Practice, Buckingham, Open University Press
Bell, J. Doing Your Research Project, 3rd edition, Buckingham, Open University Press
Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (1996) How to Research, Buckingham, Open University Press
Cottrell, S. (1999) The Study Skills Handbook, London, Macmillan
Crena, P. and Lea, M. R. (1997) Writing at University, Buckingham, Open University Press
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
Hat, C. (1998) Doing a Literature Review, London, Sage
Marshall, L. and Rouland, F. (1998) A Guide to Writing Independently, 3rd edition,
Buckingham, Open University Press
Nawnes, W. and M. J. (1999) The Art and Craft of Report Writing, London, Kogan Page
Peck, J. and Coyle, M. (1999) The Student's Guide to Writing, London, Macmillan
Stringer, E. T. (1999) Action Research, 2nd edition, London, Sage

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.

A coursework weighted at 100%. (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4).
The way in which elements of the portfolio contribute to the learning outcomes is detailed in the module handbook.
A Portfolio (total length circa 6,000 words)
The portfolio will include:-
a) A research report (length circa 2,000 words). The report should be based on an academic area closely linked with the students' field of work.
b) Information on training and work experience (circa 2,000 words) including:-
I. in-house work-based coaching
II. professional training courses
III. academic study
IV. new skills learned (including both practical and transferable skills)
V. specific projects undertaken
c) A reflective report (length circa 2,000 words) including:-
I. An introduction - this should summarise the student's professional and academic experience at the beginning of the module.
II. A reflection on how the elements undertaken in a and b above have (or could in the future) improve the student's work practice and contribute to their overall career development and prospects.
III. An action plan for future development requirements related to the student's career.

This portfolio will be reviewed sumatively in weeks 3, 6 and 9 of the module (weeks 6, 12 and 18 if delivered over two study periods). Each review will be attended by the Portfolio tutor, and where possible the workplace mentor. Each review is worth 10% and will comprise a presentation by the student of a selection of the portfolio work completed during the review period followed by a question and answer session. Marks will be awarded based on the student?s ability to communicate their work and to answer questions. These reviews will also have a formative element which will include feedback and advice being given to the student.
The completed portfolio will be submitted and marks up to 30% awarded for each of the research report and reflective report a further 10% awarded based on the structure, completeness and overall professionalism of the portfolio.

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.

Students will be expected to create a portfolio of evidence relating to their work-based learning.

Students will be required to reflect on the research undertaken and their work-based learning and produce an action plan for future career development.

2 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 (weeks 6, 12 and 18 if delivered over two study periods).

Students will have received award induction material which is to facilitate their learning how to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) (and PDP package) employed for the study of this module.

E-Learning 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:-
- creating a portfolio with appropriately indexed and catalogued evidence
- research and analysis skills
- report writing and reflection

It is anticipated that students will spend around 4 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 learning in the workplace and 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.