This is an independent project where students will take the lead in designing and developing their chosen research project with support from a supervisor from the academic teaching team. At the beginning of the module, a series of short lectures and online materials will provide content to assist students to create a project plan, which will include milestones to assist student’s time management and keep the project on track. Library resources and support services will support students and interactive sessions via Teams or Blackboard Collaborate in groups or 1-2-1 will enable students to discuss their ideas, receive guidance on their research and to structure their work to the requirements of their chosen assessment format. When undertaking research on the field of action on poverty, the research does so with the objective of utilising the findings to advocate for change to practice and/or policy. This final year project takes the student on a journey beyond undertaking research and into assisting the sector to make changes that reduce poverty and inequalities. Students will consider who they need to share findings and recommendations with to influence change.



Regular on-line writing retreats will then be scheduled for students to block out time in their busy days to enable them to focus on the writing of their project. Students will be allocated a supervisor to provide in-depth tuition on a regular or monthly basis.

The project plan and ethics form will test learning outcomes 1 & 2

This 2,000 word project plan is to include a proposal for your final year project. You will outline the subject topic and relevant literature to identify a knowledge gap for further investigation. You will identify suitable research methodology to investigate your chosen topic and provide ethical considerations. You will outline project milestones to demonstrate workload planning. You will provide Harvard references. In your appendices you will include a completed ethics application form.



The report, journal article or publishable book chapter will test all 5 learning outcomes.

For this 8,000 word written piece of work, you will produce a dissertation, written report, journal article or publishable book chapter that addresses all 5 learning outcomes. A typical research journal article includes an abstract, literature review, methodology, findings and discussion and a conclusion followed by Harvard references. However, you should identify a relevant journal and work to the Journal publishing requirements. In the action on poverty field, it is advisable to list recommendations for change in your conclusion section. Your Harvard reference list is not included in the word count.

The module starts with a series of short lectures and online materials aimed at supporting students to identify their chosen topic and to understand the assessment requirements. A structured approach will be encouraged early in the module and guidance and support offered in creating a robust project plan and in the successful completion of relevant ethical applications required to undertake secondary or primary research. Library resources and support services will be available, and students will be expected to access these where required. A project supervisor will act as a first point of call for the student and regular meetings with the supervisor will be arranged. The module will necessarily take a student-led approach and there will be substantial independent study required, where students will develop and perfect their research skills. Online facilitated writing retreats will occur each week so that students can maintain momentum and access ongoing support.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of knowledge and existing research and literature relating to the chosen subject, which is at the forefront of practice in the anti-poverty sector

Knowledge and Understanding


2 Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research ethics and methodologies via their suitable application and planned approach to your research project, and provide a critical awareness and evaluation of current research methodology scholarship

Learning


3 Demonstrate ability to assess and critically analysis secondary and/or primary data and the ability to present findings in a scholarly way

Analysis


4 Evaluate complex issues both systematically and creatively, in order to make sound judgements to make appropriate recommendations for change to practice and/or policy

Problem Solving


5 Demonstrate the independent learning ability required to advance your knowledge and understanding in the topic area

Enquiry;

Analysis

University Library

ebrary resources

Blackboard

A networked computer capable of accessing the internet and running applications such as Blackboard and Adobe Acrobat.

An internet service provider (ISP)

A Word Processor compatible with Microsoft Word.

The VLE learning environment will be available and fully resourced to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Aidley, D. and Fearon, C. (2021) Doing Accessible Social Research: A practical guide. Policy Press, Bristol.

Braun, V., and Clarke, V. (2021) Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. Sage, London.

Bryman, A., (2012). Social Research Methods. Fourth edition. Oxford. Oxford University Press.

Bell, J., (2014). Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers. Sixth edition. Open University.

Kara, H., (2018) Research Ethics In the Real World. Policy Press, Bristol

Kara, H., (2020) Creative Research Methods: A Practical Guide. 2nd Ed. Policy Press, Bristol.

May, T., (2011). Social Research, issues, methods and process. fourth edition. Buckingham. Open University Press.

O’Leary, Z., (2014). The Essential Guide to doing your Research Project. Second edition. London. Sage

Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., McNaughton Nicholls, C., Ormston, R., (2014) (eds). Qualitative Research Practice. A Guide for Social Science Students and Researchers. Second Edition. London. Sage.

Thomas, G., (2013). How to do your Research Project. A Guide for Students in Education and Applied Social Sciences. Second Edition. London. Sage.

Warwick-Booth, L., Bagnall, A-M., and Coan, S. (2021) Creating Participatory Research: principals, practice and reality. Policy Press, Bristol.

Do you have a special interest in a topic related to leadership in action on poverty or tackling poverty and inequalities more broadly? Ever wanted to examine it in more detail? Well, now is your opportunity to do so. In this module you will be guided by the module leader and your nominated supervisor to undertake your chosen project. This might be a written article or proposed book chapter of a publishable standard or a more traditional dissertation project, the choice is yours. You will have regular or monthly meetings with your supervisor who can assist you to keep on track and to discuss your draft work so that you are able to apply any feedback before your final submission. You will also be supported to consider who you need to share your research findings with to influence change to policy and/or practice and to develop a presentation aimed at this audience where you can highlight your key findings and associated recommendations.