1. Compose a structured programme of independent research and a plan for its completion.
2. Evaluate different approaches to research, including Information Literacy, with regard to your own project.
3. Reflect on your current skills and areas for development.

Assessment 1. Learning Outcome 1. Learning Outcome 2.

The assessment will involve preparing a research proposal, including a preliminary literature review.

Assessment 2. Learning Outcome 2. Learning Outcome 3.

Students will make a learning diary showing how they have reflected on their own approach to research in the light of the guidance provided.

The module will introduce key skills and approaches needed to conduct successful research at Level 7: e.g. how to identify a research question, prepare a literature review, construct a systematic approach to the research, manage references, and edit one’s own work. Research ethics and research integrity will also be addressed. With support from the module tutor, students will prepare a draft research proposal for their own Research Project.

You will gain the skills you need to carry out research on your MA and will be supported in preparing a proposal for your own research. When you finish the module, you’ll be research ready.

Students will work through a series of online material including guidance from tutors on key skills for research at this level. This may be provided in written form and in other formats, such as video presentations. As they work through this material, students will be required to evaluate their current skill competencies and gaps, complete tasks and activities to support their learning, record the outcome of this activity using the Journal function in Blackboard, and build a diary of their learning. At set points in the semester tutors will provide feedback on the work done up to that point and discuss initial plans for the research students propose to undertake in the Research Proposal. Where possible, this will be done via face to face video tutorials. Students will then go on to prepare a draft research proposal for their own Research Project. Tutors will provide formative feedback to help students prepare as thoroughly for their Research Project as they can.

The module will mainly rely on tutor generated material specific to the areas of study and research of the MA. These will be supported by online resources such as:

https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/literature-review/

https://www.monash.edu/rlo/graduate-research-writing/write-the-thesis/introduction-literature-reviews

https://www.monash.edu/rlo/research-writing-assignments/understanding-the-assignment/developing-research-questions

https://www.guide2research.com/research/how-to-write-a-research-question

https://thewritelife.com/edit-your-copy/

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/tips-for-editing-your-own-writing#10-tips-for-editing-your-own-writing

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/phd-study/how-to-write-a-successful-research-proposal

https://www.vitae.ac.uk/doing-research/doing-a-doctorate/starting-a-doctorate/writing-a-research-proposal

Blackboard
Digital Services
Library.