Topic selection: the structure and content of the dissertation will be dependent on the topic under investigation and will be negotiated with the dissertation supervisor.
Literature review: selecting the appropriate field; literature search; uses of databases, indexes and searches; literature review practices.
Research methodology: research methods; techniques for data collection appropriate to the individual dissertation. [Note: Generally, some element of primary research would be encouraged, however where students can justify good reason (eg the nature of the topic) a dissertation based on secondary research only will be allowed.]
Research planning issues, eg identification of hypothesis, case study selection, sample selection, comparative studies; research constraints.
Principles of data analysis: qualitative, qualitative and mixed methods.
Dissertation format: planning and presentation of data and findings.

Assessment of the research proposal (maximum 1500 words): 20%
Dissertation (6000 words): 80%
All learning outcomes are covered by the two assessment methods. Students must attempt all assessments and achieve an overall pass grade for the module.

Various research text books offer detailed guidance on conducting a research project. General texts can help to get students started:
Reardon, D. (2006), Doing Your Undergraduate Project, London: Sage.
Walliman, N. (2013) Your Undergraduate Dissertation: The Essential Guide for Success, London: Sage.
Walliman, N. (2011) Your Research Project: Designing and Planning your Work, London: Sage.

Specialist texts
However, students should use sources that offer more specialist guidance whenever possible. The following list should be seen as indicative, and students are encouraged to also access additional available texts.

Bryman, A. (2006) Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Research: How is it done?, Qualitative Research 6(1): 97-113
Byrne, D. (2002), Interpreting Quantitative Data, London: Sage.
Elliot, A.C, and Woodward, W.A. (2006), Statistical Analysis Quick Reference Guidebook: With SPSS Examples, London: Sage.
Elliot, J. (2005), Using Narrative in Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, London: Sage.
Fowler, F. (2001), Survey Research Methods, London: Sage.
Miles, M.B., and Huberman, M. (1994) Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Source Book, 2nd edition. London: Sage.
Silverman, D. (2006) Interpreting Qualitative Data: Methods for Analyzing Talk, Text and Interaction, London: Sage.
Stewart, D.W., Shamdasani, P.N., and Rook, D.W. (2006) Focus Groups: Theory and Practice, London: Sage.
Yin, R. (2003) Applications of Case Study Research, London: Sage.

On-line access to materials on VLE

Students are also expected to develop and become familiar with relevant and recent research publications in their chosen area. These not only make reference to existing research in the chosen field but also relevant methods of data collection and analysis.

Taught sessions: 66 hours
Reading and independent study: 234 hours

The emphasis of this module is on independent inquiry, through which students learn foundational skills in problem identification, the critical analysis of literature, the collection and analysis of data and the presentation of findings.
However, taught sessions provide introductory lectures and opportunities to review exemplar research from earlier studies, covering the following areas:

How to formulate a hypothesis
Approaching a literature review and finding sources of information
Small scale research exercise eg an article or comparison of articles
Examine examples of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodology
Planning research
Primary and secondary research methods
Ethical considerations
Formulation of fit for purpose interviews, questionnaires and focus groups
Methods of presentation
Handling statistics
Triangulation
Evaluation, conclusion and recommendations
Implications for the sector