The content of the module will include:
- What makes an effective research proposal?
- Evaluating example research proposals
- Designing research questions
- The role of the literature review in developing a research proposal
- What makes an effective literature review?
- Communicating research design in relation to specific research questions.

The assessment for this module comprises two components. A pass must be achieved in both parts:

1: A formal written thesis research proposal. Assesses LOs 1-4

2: An oral examination of the planned research project. Assesses LOs 5-6.

Saturday Schools will be integrated with independent study. You will receive six individual tutorials from a Module Tutor/Supervisor to support your learning and the assessment work. Peer group learning is an essential element of the programme and there is an emphasis upon using the resources of the group; participants will be expected to contribute through discussion in face-to-face Saturday Schools and electronic mode. Direct teaching is through two Saturday Schools and six individual supervision meetings, guided reading and web-based study tasks will structure the learning. You will be expected to use online databases for literature searching; to access the internet for relevant materials to support your learning; and to utilise the Virtual Learning Environment, Blackboard, provided for the programme.
Opportunities for ongoing formative feedback will be provided.

Tutorial support will be available via, for example, MS Teams, Blackboard Collaborate, telephone, in person, through scheduled appointments and group/individual discussion.

1. Identify a topic that you will systematically and critically review, which is at the forefront of research in relation to education policy, or practice that is relevant to your
professional role or workplace.
Communication, Analysis.

2. Specify one or more research questions that enable relevant material to be interrogated effectively and conclusions drawn.
Communication, Application.

3. Demonstrate a comprehensive critical understanding of the key texts and other sources, both theoretical and empirical, relevant to the topic of the chosen methodology, including those from international and other national sources.
Knowledge and understanding, Analysis, Enquiry.

4. Make informed judgements about the current state of knowledge on the topic chosen for review, including possible lines of further research, and present these with some originality.
Learning.

5.Communicate and defend the aims, objectives and rationale for your thesis research project. Communication, Knowledge and understanding, Analysis, Reflection.

6.Communicate and defend the research design for your thesis research project.
Communication, Application, Problem solving.

- Blackboard VLE will be used for repository of materials and resources.
- University Library resources for a range of relevant texts, e-books and academic journals
- Access to academic study skills support
- Access to subject librarians

Basit, T. N. (2010) Conducting research in educational contexts. London: Continuum.

Bell, J. and Waters, S. (2014) Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers. 7th edn. London: McGraw-Hill.

Burton, N., Brundrett, M. and Jones, M. (2014) Doing your education research project. 2nd edn. London: Sage.

Clough, P. and Nutbrown, C. (2012) A students guide to methodology: justifying enquiry. 3rd Edn. London: Sage.

Cohen, L., Manion, L. and Morrison, K. (2017) Research methods in education. 8th edn. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Denicolo, P. and Becker, L. (2012) Developing research proposals. London: Sage.

Kara, H. (2017) Research and evaluation for busy practitioners: a time-saving guide. 2nd edn. Bristol: The Policy Press.

Kara, H. (2015) Creative research methods in the social sciences. A practical guide. Bristol: The Policy Press.

Kara, H. (2018) Research ethics in the real world. Bristol: The Policy Press.

Punch, K.F. (2016) Developing effective research proposals. 3rd edn. London: Sage.

Punch, K.F. and Oancea, A. (2014) Introduction to research methods in education. 2nd edn. London: Sage.

Ridley, D. (2012) The literature review: a step-by-step guide for students. 2nd edn. London: Sage.

Thomson, P. and Kamler, B. (2016) Detox your writing. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

The content of the module will include:
- What makes an effective research proposal?
- Evaluating example research proposals
- Designing research questions
- The role of the literature review in developing a research proposal
- What makes an effective literature review?
- Communicating research design in relation to specific research questions.