You will need access to these resources:
- Blackboard virtual learning environment;
- Access to Library Information Services eResources via Athens;
- Access to external library catalogues and websites;
- Academic search engine (e.g. Google Scholar);
- Skype or teleconferencing and video or podcast technology.

Satisfactory progress on a Postgraduate Award in Computing or Technology. For students on the Masters by Research (MRes) in Computing Science, this is the third module in the programme of study, the prior modules being:
Applied Research Methods (Distance Learning).
Secondary Research (Distance Learning).
It may also be taken a module by research students on other research awards (e.g. PgCRM) by negotiation.

Recommended texts:
Studying at a Distance: A Guide for Students (2nd Edn). Talbot, C.J. (2007) Open University Press. ISBN: 978-0335223695.

Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods, Brett Davies, M. (2007) Palgrave MacMillan. ISBN: 978-1403993793.

Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (2nd Edn). Creswell, J.W. (2010) Sage Publications. ISBN: 978-1412975179.

These learning strategies will occupy your time:
- There will be a heavy emphasis on independent learning as a facilitator of research, using appropriate technologies. The module may be delivered individually or in classes. Classes will be virtual;
- The learning materials on the VLE will include indicative subject 'keynotes' (including live and recorded lectures), guided reading and examples of research resources;
- The role of the tutor will be as a facilitator and advisor. The student is expected to manage his or her own research. The 20 hours contact time will usually be in the form of teleconferenced or telephoned meetings between the tutor and student, although face-to-face meetings may also be used when appropriate;
- The VLE will provide interaction between the tutor and student(s) and between students within a group through interactive forums. Students will be encouraged to use this media where appropriate to develop discursive skills.

100% Coursework, consisting of 2 combined items:
A RESEARCH PAPER weighted at 90%
A PRESENTATION weighted at 10%
A RESEARCH PAPER of up to 6.000 words with a formal structure focusing deeply on the chosen topic in the area of research (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4).

A PRESENTATION of approximately 30 minutes followed by a detailed question and answer session (Learning Outcome 5).
The paper must be written in a formal, publishable style, showing a deep and developing understanding of your chosen area of study. 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 research. The emphasis is on demonstrating a detailed and critical knowledge of the chosen specialist research topic in researching, writing and presenting a research paper.

This module follows the Secondary Research module (DL) on the MRes programme. You will further refine and focus your individual programme of study that was developed in the Secondary Research module, as originally defined by your Learning Contract. Then you will produce an assessed advanced research paper (of circa 4,000 words) on an original topic selected from the broader body of knowledge in your chosen domain (as defined in the secondary research papers) containing a high proportion of Primary Research (i.e. data collection and data analysis). You will present your paper to a small panel of faculty staff who are researching in your chosen topic at an advanced level.