This module aims to develop your research and critical evaluation of your chosen subject area within the operational and tactical use of military applications.



You will demonstrate that you have taken an area of research and fully critiqued the current situation, evaluated and provided approaches or recommendations. The work will be a formal academic paper that allows for the reader to understand the subject and demonstrate analysis, evaluation, critical thinking and synthesis of a proposed solution(s) and recommendations.



The ability to communicate clearly the proposed solutions, recommendations or hypothesis to both specialist and non-specialist audiences is key to the students work.

The assessment will be a single document that will analyse and evaluate the question raised as part of the thesis research proposal module. The word count is 10000 words and can be written at a higher security level but will be held in a secure location, an unclassified abstract will be provided on the university system.



The thesis will provide the methodology and research carried out to critically evaluate and conclude on the research completed to answer the question proposed (Learning Outcomes 1 to 5).

Students will have participated in an award induction workshop where they will learn how to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the study of this module. Subsequently students will work through the module material provided on the VLE at a pace suggested within the VLE for the module. Each student will have 12 hours supervision to support the development of the thesis. Supporting materials available will include activities that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module. Students will be encouraged to discuss relevant aspects via vehicles such as discussion forums hosted within the VLE. The forums will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor. Teleconferencing meetings will occur as appropriate to provide additional support.

1. Articulate a rationale for a research study which aims to advance knowledge and understanding of an educational issue.

Knowledge & Understanding,
Communication,
Learning



2. Employ appropriate decision making in order to design a methodologically robust, ethical and manageable research study.

Problem Solving,
Enquiry,
Application



3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key issues and debates relevant to the research study.

Knowledge and Understanding,
Analysis,
Learning



4. Systematically design an artefact and evaluate this to bring new insight relevant to the educational field of study.

Learning,
Analysis,
Application



5. Critically reflect on the implications of research findings for professional practice.

Analysis,
Reflection,
Application

Students will be expected to engage with independent reading, which should include texts, journals, websites that are pertinent to the learning outcomes and the issues or areas that form the focus of the module. Indicative texts:



Oliver, P. (2014) Writing your thesis. 3rd ed. London: SAGE.

Brookfield, C. and Lewis, J. (2022) Plan your dissertation. London: SAGE.

Cottrell, S., (2019) The Study Skills Handbook, 5th Edition, Hampshire: Palgrave Study Guides

McMillan, K (2012) How to improve your critical thinking and reflective skills, 2nd Edition, Essex: Pearson Education Ltd

Bassot, B. (2016) The reflective practice guide an interdisciplinary approach to critical reflection

Bui, Y, N. (2019) How to Write a Master's Thesis, SAGE Publications, Inc

Mars, N. (2019) Academic Writing & Research: How to Write a Good, Strong, Important and Interesting Thesis, ¿Independently published

Blackboard VLE Library facilities

Office 365

Must have attended a Course Briefing Day and be approved for enrolment on to the module by the Course Leader

This module aims to develop research into related subjects with focus on the operational and tactical areas within the military. It allows for the self-direction (and student choice) in the chosen subject of study. Students will identify a research question and design the appropriate methodology with which to complete the thesis. The thesis is a formal written document and will be supported by a suitable academic in the role of thesis supervisor.