0% approximately 2000 word Learning Contract using the provided template
100% 2000 word Reflective Learning Diary (Learning Outcomes 1-3)

All elements must be passed in order to pass the module.

This module is intended to support you in the initial stages of your Master by Negotiated Study in the Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies. At the beginning of the module you will be introduced to the concept of `flexible learning' and the demands of undertaking research by negotiated study. You will attend a short series of workshops where you will be expected to present your research ideas to the rest of the group, in order to provide you with formative feedback and assist you in the development of your project. To support your individual progress you will also be provided with a one-to-one tutorial, where the details of your learning contract and negotiated project 1 agreement will be finalised. Throughout the module you will be expected to keep a reflective diary that will demonstrate your learning throughout the initial period of your study and a critical reflection based on any critical incidents you have come across must be submitted as the assessment of the module.

Library and Information Services resources.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

BIAD 1996 Designing and managing a research project: a research guide. Birmingham: UCE
Biggam, John. 2011. Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation. Open University
Bui, Yvonne. 2009. How to Write a Master's Thesis. Sage
Casey, Debbie. 2011. Study Skills for Masters Level Students. Reflect
Race, Phil. 1998. 500 tips for open and flexible learning. London: Kogan Page

Useful websites:
www.postgraduatetoolbox.com
www.vitae.ac.uk

The module will introduce you to a variety of approaches that are implicit to negotiated study. This will provide you with the key knowledge and skills required to successfully manage your Masters programme. The module will combine one-to-one tutorials and workshops with a number of members of staff in order to provide you with both the opportunity to develop your own research programme and meet with fellow learners to share experiences of self-managed study.
The module will also involve the development of the learning contract, which is the agreed plan of study for the Masters as a whole and each credit-rated part of it. (Note that the learning contract is not graded, but it will need to be approved by your subject specific supervisor(s), the tutors of the module and the external examiner for you to resume your Masters programme.)
The assessment of the module will also require you to reflect critically upon the process of developing ideas for negotiated study.