The module incorporates three inter-related learning strategies. There will be whole group sessions, which will give students an overview of the requirements of the module and the assessments (18 hours). Students will also undertake their presentations in the whole group sessions. There will be individual tutorial sessions, in which students will receive support and guidance in relation to their individual research (12 hours). Students will also receive formative feedback on drafts of their proposal, presentation and dissertation in the tutorials. Finally, the students will pursue independent study (570 hours), which will allow them to research and write their proposal, presentation and dissertation.

You will apply the skills and knowledge gained through the core and option modules and the research methods module to an independent piece of research. The work will focus on a Regeneration-based topic chosen by the student and undertaken through independent study of extant literature and, in many cases, through primary social research. The research may draw on the practical and work-related experiences of the researcher.

You will define the research problem and objectives, formulate a research design, apply for ethical approval, organise your research activity, review the extant literature relevant to the chosen topic, analyse materials and produce the written dissertation. You will also deliver an oral presentation on your research work.

Biggam, J. (2008) Succeeding With Your Master's Dissertation : A Step-by-Step Handbook, Open University Press, [808.066]
Burnett, J. (2009) Doing Your Social Science Dissertation, Sage, [808.02]
McMillan, K. and Weyers, J. (2010) How To Write Dissertations and Project Reports, Prentice Hall, [808.066378]
Walliman, N. (2011) Your Research Project, 3rd edition, Sage.

Reference to the module handbook for study guidance.
Access to Staffordshire University library
Access to internet sources through Staffordshire University library.
Provision as appropriate of case materials by tutor and / or external organisations.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

A Research Proposal, 2000 words, 20%, assesses Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,5,
An individual presentation, 10%, assesses Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,5
A dissertation, 15,000 words, 70%, assesses Learning Outcomes 1-7

The research proposal will be due at the end of Semester 1, the presentation will take place towards the end of Semester 2, and the dissertation will be due at the end of Semester 3.

All elements of assessment must be passed