100% coursework including a number of deliverables (Learning outcomes 1-4):
- Personal presentation skills.
- An abstract of proposed dissertation project which outlines the topic of research, preliminary research problems, aims/objectives and deliverable (guide 2-3 pages).
- Dissertation project proposal, which states research programme and reflects the understanding of the research problem in its context and methods adopted in the project (guide 5-6 pages).
- Presentation of the proposed research area. (15-20 minutes).
- A review paper of literature and background investigation of the research project (guide 6-8 pages).

Transferable skills that will assist the student in their future careers and for further postgraduate study. These include developing skills to enable individuals to sell themselves through the development of personal presentation skills, conducting interviews to assist in research and producing technical reports.

Methods and skills of literature research, gathering of data from a range of sources, selecting and using appropriate technologies available (e.g. library, digital library, Internet facilities and other sources).

The professional issues ever present in the environment, including health and safety, standards, ethical and social issues, professional bodies.

Techniques required to analyse data and to present the results in a suitable format.

Refined skills in project planning, organisation of study materials, presentation and dissemination of research, research proposal specification, techniques of research report writing.

Research proposal specification, regulations and supervisors role. A student will demonstrate a wide range of professional and IT skills such as producing technical documents, research papers and project proposals and plans.

A range of teaching and learning methods will be employed, including lectures, group work, independent supported learning and collaborative work. A student-centered approach will be adopted, involving an independent supported learning component developed on an individual basis as a result of learning contract negotiations. Assessment will be based upon individuals demonstrating a wide range of IT and professional skills, and producing deliverables in a professional manner.
2 lectures, 2 tutorials.
(1:n)2 (1:20)2

PC with Office
A statistical package, such as SPSS
Access to the Internet
Library

None.

Marshall & Rossman (1999) Designing Qualitative Research, Sage, Third Edition, ISBN: 0761913408
Sharp & Howard, (1996) The Management of a Student Research Project (2 ed), Aldershot Gower, ISBN: 056607706X
Oliver, P. (1997) Research, Teach Yourself Books, NTC Publishing Group, ISBN: 0844200158