Recommended texts:
Developing Effective Research Proposals (2nd Ed.), Punch, K.F. (2006) Sage Publications, London. ISBN: 1412921260.

Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods. Brett Davies, M. (2007). Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN: 1403993793.

The Management of a Student Research Project (2nd Ed.), Sharp, J. A. et al (2002). Gower, Aldershot. ISBN: 0566084902.

Satisfactory progress on a Postgraduate Award in Computing or Technology.

You will need access to these resources:
- Access to Library Information Services eResources via Athens;
- Access to external library catalogues and websites via Library Information Services;
- Academic search engine (e.g. Google Scholar).

10 hours comprising, keynote lectures, group workshops, student seminars and presentations. Additional material will be available on-line and can be studied remotely.

Dissertation Proposal (100%) (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

A Coursework, consisting of;
A Dissertation Proposal. A research proposal of 7 - 9 pages focused deeply on the chosen topic in the area of relevant to the subject of the student's award and which meets the learning outcomes of the student's award and would form the basis of a Masters Dissertation. You must write the proposal in a formal style, showing a clear understanding of your proposed Masters dissertation, and present it in
a seminar to a panel, including your supervisor and an assessor. The standard should be that of a research proposal that could be submitted for a minor funded research project. The proposal will define the aim and objectives of and deliverables from the research, the methodological and ethical issues and should include the rigorous selection and justification or an appropriate research programme, with due methods being considered, an outline literature survey and project plan. It is important to be concise and yet specific in producing the research proposal, which places great emphasis on research design and planning (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

The module contains an introduction to basic research and presentation skills such as literature research and reporting of research findings. There is also an introduction to the nature of research and the reasons for research investigations, identifying and defining research questions and hypotheses. An overview of research methods is provided and quantitative and qualitative research methods are explored, including data collection techniques and sampling theory and survey methods. Data analysis techniques are examined, including the types of data, the use of survey and experimental data and statistical analysis. Issues regarding the presentation and dissemination of research are considered. The specification and definition of research proposals are examined, as are techniques of research report writing, research management, compliance with regulations and the supervisor's role. Ethical issues relating to the investigation, experimentation, industrial collaboration and publication of research findings are addressed.