A Research Project length 8000 WORDS weighted at 100%.

(Learning Outcomes 1-5)

Key Information Set Data:
100% coursework

This module enables students to apply appropriate research and evaluation techniques as they either explore a subject of their own choice, or evaluate a specific organisational or professional practice context.

In general, the research projects should enable students to show their ability to analyse, expound and evaluate a chosen topic, or organisational or professional practice context, and to give evidence of creative judgment and application.

The topic/ project 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.

A key emphasis throughout the module will be the exploration of a specific subject, or the evaluation of a specific organisational or professional practice context, 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.

Students will be expected to undertake research-specific independent study.

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

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
Cameron H. et al (Ed), (2005) Studying Local Churches: A Handbook, London: SCM Press
Cameron H. et al, (2010), Talking about God in Practice: Theological Action Research and Practical Theology, London: SCM 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
Swinton, J & Mowat, H, (2006), Practical Theology and Qualitative Research, London: SCM Press
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.

1. DEMONSTRATE A SYSTEMATIC UNDERSTANDING OF KEY ASPECTS OF A CLEARLY DEFINED TOPIC IN YOUR FIELD OF STUDY.
[Analysis; Knowledge & Understanding; Learning]

2. DESCRIBE AND COMMENT UPON CURRENT RESEARCH IN THIS FIELD, AND APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING TO PRACTICE IN YOUR FIELD OF STUDY.
[Communication; Analysis]

3. DEPLOY ACCURATELY ESTABLISHED TECHNIQUES OF ANALYSIS AND ENQUIRY, AND INITIATE AND CARRY OUT PROJECTS WITHIN YOUR FIELD OF STUDY.
[Enquiry; Problem Solving]

4. APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING TO PRACTICE IN YOUR FIELD OF STUDY.
[Application]

5. MANAGE YOUR OWN LEARNING, EXERCISE INITIATIVE, AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND DEMONSTRATE THE LEARNING ABILITY, QUALITIES AND TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS NECESSARY FOR EMPLOYMENT OR FURTHER TRAINING OF A PROFESSIONAL OR EQUIVALENT NATURE.
[Reflection]