In this module you will demonstrate your ability to undertake a piece of research. You can utilise the research proposal, from the work undertaken in your previous Level 5 module (Evidence Based Care), with support from your supervisor. Throughout the dissertation process you will need to demonstrate critical evaluation of the philosophical underpinnings of research, research methods, ethical issues, secondary sources, and the data provided. You will also need to evaluate and reflect upon the findings generated by your research process and demonstrate how they could positively influence your specialist subject area. The module commences with an induction day comprising lectures and group discussions:

Primary Research Project Planning
Ethics
Data collection and Analysis including software systems
Secondary research project Planning
Literature Search
Meta Analysis/ Thematic Analysis including software systems

Dissertation length is a minimum of 5000 Words and a maximum of 7000 words (Covering Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.).

The dissertation can be based upon a primary or secondary research design. Secondary research must be relevant to the professional area of study/practice. For primary research, students will design a research project around a choice of variables/ topics from a pre-determined list.

Formative element:
You will be required to submit an ethics application via Turnitin, which is designed to support awareness of ethical protocols where appropriate. This exercise will be supported by the module lead, or supervisor.

Self-directed learning will be supported through the process of supervision. Regular tutorials with an allocated supervisor will be offered and this will provide a framework of support for you during the research process. An induction day comprising lectures and group discussions provides the foundation for the development of informal peer support within your group.

1. Plan and execute a research project related to your specialist subject area by analysing pre-existing data / literature.
Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Application, Enquiry, Learning, Problem Solving.

2. Reflect critically on the processes involved in preparing for and conducting research.
Analysis, Reflection.

3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the application of research methods. Knowledge and Understanding, Application.

4. Critically evaluate and convey the findings of the research in relation to your specialist subject area.
Analysis, Communication.

VLE (Virtual Learning Environments).
Research Supervision.
Library support.
Academic Mentor support.
Group tutorials.
Lectures.
Seminars.

Aveyard, H. (2018) Doing a systematic Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Students guide. Open University Press.

Bell, J. & Waters, S. (2018) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers. Maidenhead: Open University.

Boland, A. Cherry, G. Dickson, R. (2017) Doing a Systematic Review; A Students Guide. London. Sage.

Creswell, J. & Creswell, J. (2018) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. London: Sage.

Hagger-Johnson, G. (2014) Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis in the Health Sciences. Oxon: Taylor Francis Group.

Largan, C. & Morris, T. (2019) Qualitative Secondary Research: A step-by-step guide. London: Sage.

Enrolled on the BSc (Hons) in Paramedic Science

This module provides an exciting opportunity to apply your skills and understanding to the development of a substantial and distinctive piece of written work. The emphasis is on student-led learning, but you will also be offered excellent support from an experienced supervisor. The dissertation enables you to apply the breadth of research skills necessary for the delivery of a successful project. This includes framing the research problem around your choice of variables / topics from a pre-determined list, building your design, and analysing data. The dissertation is a hugely rewarding creative process and we look forward to supporting you on your research journey!