-Your Masters project is an extended piece of independent research that allows you to explore, in depth, a topic of your choosing based on your previous learning on the course, as ever, this takes place under the supervision of your main subject supervisor(s).

-In undertaking this project, you will both extend your knowledge and understanding of a particular aspect of practice in your field of study and continue to develop transferable skills of planning, research, analysis, problem solving, critical reflection, and time/self- management.

-The topic for this piece of work will integrate the knowledge and skills that you have attained whilst on the course. The other modules you have undertaken in your negotiated course provide the intellectual and practical framework for your research and you will be expected to draw on the theoretical, practical, conceptual and methodological concerns that define your particular field of study.

-Your approach to this project depends on what you intend to achieve. The exact nature of what you submit for assessment will depend on your subject area and will be determined in your learning contract.

-The module represents the culmination of your Masters experience, where you can demonstrate your intellectual/practical skills, your grasp of your subject and your capacity to organise the process of research, writing, and project management. As with the other negotiated project modules, you will be expected to work independently, manage your own time and workflow, and engage on a predominantly one-to-one basis with your designated project supervisor(s).

-The final, Negotiated Study Masters Project module expects you to bring your Masters to an advanced stage and it needs to meet the learning outcomes you have established in your Learning Contract; it should cover in-depth research into subject practice topics, including, where relevant, extended qualitative or quantitative research, evidence of a critical approach to the topic you are covering and demonstrate you are able to understand problems that arise within your chosen field, in relation to practice/theory.

The exact nature and content of this module will be negotiated by you, with appropriate staff help, in the Learning Contract.

- It will usually take the form of analytical, preparatory, experimental and other practical work relating to your chosen area of practice, plus associated research that underpins the project.

-Specific module Learning Outcomes will be taken from your own negotiated and approved Learning Contract.

Formative Assessment: Midway formative feedback will be embedded within supervisory sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support your development and progression.

Supervisory sessions.

Independent study.

1. Select and analyse appropriate research and experimental methods, to critique practices or to generate new data, to develop work in a rationale and innovative way.

Knowledge & understanding
Research Skills

2. Demonstrate mastery and critical awareness in the selection and use of appropriate processes in your subject area.

Application & Problem-solving

3. Articulate and present your project in a professional portfolio. Using appropriate forms of communication, and appropriate digital methods and formats, to elicit information and explain your work.

Communication
Digital literacy

4. Reflect critically to evaluate your own work, and that of others, with the aim of improving and developing your practice in relation to professional practices and a high level of academic activity.

Reflection
Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

Student Life https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos

University Careers https://staffs.careercentre.me/Members

University Library https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant

University Facilities (e.g. SmartZone)

Negotiated access to equipment, studio spaces and workshop facilities and technical support as appropriate to the subject area.

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

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

BEARD, C. & WILSON, JP. (2013) Experiential learning: a handbook for education, training and coaching (Kogan Page)

BELL, J. & WATERS, S. (2018) Doing Your Research Project. 7th Edition. (OUP).

BIGGAM, J. (2015) Succeeding with your master's dissertation: a step-by-step handbook (OUP).

COLINS, H. (2010) Creative research: the theory and practice of research for the creative industries (AVA Academia).

DUKE, T. (2018) How to do a postgraduate research project and write a minor thesis. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 09/2018, Volume 103, Issue 9.

FURSETH, I. & EVERETT, E. (2013) Doing your masters dissertation: from start to finish (SAGE).

LEVIN, P. (2011) Excellent dissertations (OUP).

McMILLAN, K. & WEYERS, J. (2007) How to write dissertations and project reports (Prentice Hall)

SHARP, J. (2002) The management of a student research project (Gower).

Hyper-personalised Learning Final Project. This module will bring your knowledge of and approach to your practice to fruition and it should be viewed as the culmination of your continuous professional development needs in terms of skill development.