100% Coursework, consisting of 2 items with equal weighting:
1. DSM Paper One - a research paper of about 5.000 words in the chosen area of research as defined by the Learning Contract. The paper will be presented in a formal presentation followed by a verbal examination. Both items are combined in the assessment (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4);
2. DSM Paper Two - a research paper of about 5.000 words in the chosen area of research as defined by the Learning Contract. The paper will be presented in a formal presentation followed by a verbal examination. Both items are combined in the assessment (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4);

You must write the papers in a publishable style, which shows an understanding of the subject and the relevance to the specialist area; and present them in seminars to a small panel. The standard should equate to papers that could be submitted to minor conferences. You should be aware of the ethical issues that may impinge on research projects in general and behave ethically by following relevant guidelines in carrying out your DSM research. The emphasis of both papers is on developing knowledge of the chosen research domain (i.e. the literature survey element will be emphasised).

You will further refine and confirm an individual programme of study, as defined by the Learning Contract produced in the Research Methods Module, under the guidance of a supervisor. Then you will produce two assessed research papers (each circa 5,000 words) on topics selected from the broader body of knowledge in your chosen domain. You will present your assessed papers to a small panel of faculty staff who are researching in your chosen area. The assessment will normally be carried out by your supervisor and a second assessor.
Note: where the word 'originality' appears in this Module Descriptor, this is taken to mean work that is original to the student, rather than to the world in general. Thus, an original piece of work would be one that the student has produced on his or her own initiative that is does not draw heavily on the work of others. A demonstration of originality would mean that the student shows innovation and/or initiative in arriving at an idea, a conclusion or an artefact. It is not expected that the item would be completely original in the sense of never having been done before.

These learning strategies will occupy your time:
There will be a heavy emphasis on independent learning as a facilitator of research in producing the two DSM papers and preparing the research seminar;
- Personal supervision sessions, between the supervisor and student.
- Students will be invited to attend the programme of regular seminars and presentations given by researchers and external speakers as part of the faculty research activity;

The study of the module is approximately as follows:
- 150 hours on DSM Paper One
- 150 hours on DSM Paper Two

The module is delivered as follows:
- 40 hours direct supervision;
- 260 hours independent learning.

You will need access to these resources:
- Published journals and text books and the inter-library loan service;
- Electronic and on-line information sources (e.g. BIDS/Searchbank) and World Wide Web;
- Word processing, data analysis and presentation graphics software;
- Regular supervision from a member of faculty staff with research interests in your area.

Successful completion of the CE00292-M, Research Methods Module or its equivalent on a similar programme.

Salkind, N. J. (2003) Exploring Research (3rd Ed.), Prentice Hall International, ISBN: 0131229168