1.A Research Proposal, weighted at 10% (Learning Outcome 1)
2.A draft Introduction and Literature Review, weighted at 0% (Learning Outcomes 1, 2)
3.A draft Research Methodology, weighted at 0% (Learning Outcome 3)
4.An interim Research Presentation, weighted at 20% (Learning Outcomes 2, 3, 4, 5)
5.A completed Research Dissertation, length 15,000 words, and weighted at 70% (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7).
The final work the student will undertake/hand in/be assessed on: 5

Note: Each component must be passed in order to complete the module

Students will identify a research topic of personal choice within the field of the course. They will produce a research design, survey existing knowledge about this topic using relevant literature, and devise an appropriate research methodology. They will organise and carry out empirical research, and analyse the resulting data, relating results to existing knowledge. They will draw conclusions and make recommendations for future work, and reflect on the efficacy of their research project.

This module incorporates four inter-related learning strategies. Tutor-led sessions will be held to give students an overview of the requirements of the module and its assessment, to advise regarding scheduling of work in relation to submission deadlines, to introduce research methodologies, and to share work in progress with follow students (20 hours). On-line learning will be used to develop skills in identified research methodologies (50 hours). Individual supervision sessions will be held to give each student support and guidance in relation to their particular research (10 hours total). The independent study hours (520) will allow for reading, research and preparation of assessments, and the writing of the final dissertation.

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. (2010), Doing Your Research Project: A guide for first time researchers in education, health and social science. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Bryman, A. (2012), Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Cameron, H., Bhatti, D., Duce, C., Sweeny, J., & Watkins, C. (Eds.) (2010), Talking about God in
Practice: Theological Action Research and Practical Theology. London: SCM Press.
Flick, U. (2011), Introducing Research Methodology: A beginner’s guide to doing a research project. London: Sage.
Hennink, M., Hutter, I. & Bailey, A. (2011), Qualitative Research Methods. London: Sage Publications.
Merrill, B. (2009) Using Biographical Methods in Social Research. London: Sage Publications.
Swinton, J., & Mowat, H. (2016), Practical Theology and Qualitative Research. 2nd revised edition, London: SCM Press.
Van Der Ven, J.A. & Scherer-Rath, M. (2004), Normativity and Empirical Research in Theology (Empirical Studies in Theology). London: Brill.
Walliman, N. (2011), Your Research Project: Designing and Planning Your Work. London: Sage Publications.
Yin, R. K. (2008), Case Study Research: Design and Methods (Applied Social Research Methods), London: Sage Publications.

1. CREATE A COHERENT RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO AN INDEPENDENTLY SELECTED TOPIC Enquiry, Knowledge and understanding
2. CRITICALLY EVALUATE RESEARCH RELATED TO THE STUDENT’S CHOSEN FIELD OF STUDY IN PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS AND MONOGRAPHS Learning, Analysis, Communication
3. DEVISE AN APPROPRIATE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY, INCLUDING CLEARLY PRESENTED ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS, BASED UPON ESTABLISHED TECHNIQUES OF ANALYSIS AND ENQUIRY Enquiry, Problem solving,
Communication
4. APPLY METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH WITH REFERENCE TO ISSUES IN THE CHOSEN FIELD, AND CRITICALLY ANALYSE AND EVALUATE RESULTING DATA Application, Analysis
5. COMMUNICATE VERBALLY TO COLLEAGUES IN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE MANNER, AND RESPOND APPROPRIATELY TO CRITICAL COMMENTS
Communication, Reflection
6. ASSESS PERSONAL EFFICACY IN UNDERSTANDING THE RESEARCH PROJECT, THE METHODS SELECTED AND OUTCOMES ACHIEVED Reflection
7. COMMUNICATE CLEARLY IN A HIGHLY STRUCTURED WRITTEN FORMAT APPROPRIATE TO THE PRESENTATION OF A MASTERS LEVEL DISSERTATION, EMPLOYING THE HARVARD REFERENCING CONVENTION. Communication

1. CREATE A COHERENT RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO AN INDEPENDENTLY SELECTED TOPIC
[Enquiry; Knowledge and Understanding]

2. CRITICALLY EVALUATE RESEARCH RELATED TO THE STUDENT’S CHOSEN FIELD OF STUDY IN PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS AND MONOGRAPHS
[Learning; Analysis; Communication]

3. DEVISE AN APPROPRIATE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY, INCLUDING CLEARLY PRESENTED ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS, BASED UPON ESTABLISHED TECHNIQUES OF ANALYSIS AND ENQUIRY
[Enquiry; Problem Solving; Communication]

4. APPLY METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH WITH REFERENCE TO ISSUES IN THE CHOSEN FIELD, AND CRITICALLY ANALYSE AND EVALUATE RESULTING DATA
[Application; Analysis]

5. COMMUNICATE VERBALLY TO COLLEAGUES IN A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE MANNER, AND RESPOND APPROPRIATELY TO CRITICAL COMMENTS
[Communication; Reflection]

6. ASSESS PERSONAL EFFICACY IN UNDERSTANDING THE RESEARCH PROJECT, THE METHODS SELECTED AND OUTCOMES ACHIEVED
[Reflection]

7. COMMUNICATE CLEARLY IN A HIGHLY STRUCTURED WRITTEN FORMAT APPROPRIATE TO THE PRESENTATION OF A MASTERS LEVEL DISSERTATION, EMPLOYING THE HARVARD REFERENCING CONVENTION.
[Communication]