This assignment will demonstrate exploratory, critical and evaluative skills, and show understanding of the effective use of evidence and analysis in investigating professional settings. The assignment will provide critical discussion of an educational issue identified in the professional setting of the participant's workplace and outline a rationale for the final research project.

Saunders, L. (Ed.) (2007) Educational Research and Policymaking: Exploring the Border Country Between Research and Policy. London: Routledge.
Shotter, J., Gergen, K.J. (Eds) (1989) Texts of Identity.
Osborne, M., Gallacher, J. and Crossan, B (2004) Researching Widening Access to Lifelong Learning. London: Routledge.

Course handbook with bibliographical guidance
Library electronic access with guidance and bibliographical search guidance

Tutorials and seminars. Oral/written-formative feedback. Use of Blackboard VLE.

Critical reflection on practice through preliminary analysis of a workplace problem defined in relation to relevant evidence;
The research process - rationalising and justifying the stages of investigation.