A key emphasis throughout the module will be the exploration of a specific subject, chosen by the student. This personal research project will be supported through active lectures, supervisor input, group discussion, small group tasks and presentations, plus the use of learning groups to help apply teaching to practice. In addition, students will be expected to undertake research-specific independent study.

Key Information Set Data:
10% scheduled learning and teaching activities
90% guided independent learning

Oasis College Library with e-portal for remote access
On-line resources via Blackboard through Staffordshire University
On-line access to Staffordshire University Library and books order system
Access to ICT resources at Oasis College

This module enables students to explore a subject of their own choice, and to introduce appropriate research techniques. In general, dissertations should enable students to show their ability to analyse, expound and evaluate a chosen topic, and to give evidence of creative judgment and application. The topic selected must:
- Enable a student to draw upon the particular skills gained in previous years of study.
- Be related to subject matter studied during the programme, and the proposal must show that there is a reliable body of knowledge on which it is able to draw.
- Have a demonstrable relationship to the knowledge and skills appropriate to the projected future work of the student.

(Learning Outcomes 1-5)

Key Information Set Data:
100% coursework

Bell, J. (2005), Doing your research project: A guide for first time researchers in Education, health and
social science, Maidenhead: Open University Press
Bryman, A., (2004), Social Research Methods, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Cottrell, S. (2003), The Study Skills Handbook, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, especially chapter 10, 'Critical Analytical Thinking'
Fairbairn, J. and Winch, C. (2000), Reading, Writing and Reasoning, Buckingham, Open University Press
Soccio, J.D. (1998), How to get the most out of philosophy, Belmont Grove: Wadsworth
Thompson A, (1996), Critical Reasoning: a practical introduction, London: Routledge,

Apart from general research materials such as these, resources will be selected according to subject area of the chosen topic.