Module Descriptors
PREPARING A THESIS PROPOSAL
PPDE80161
Key Facts
Faculty of Health Sciences
Level 8
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Peter Kevern
Email: P.Kevern@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 18
Independent Study Hours: 282
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%
- PRESENTATION - INDIVIDUAL weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Texts
Denzin N.K. & Lincoln Y.S. (2005) The sage handbook of qualitative research (third edn). London: Sage Publications.
Hellawell D. (2006) Inside-out: analysis of the insider- outsider concept as a heuristic device to develop reflexivity in students doing qualitative research. Teaching in Higher Education 11(4) 483-494.
Machi L.A. & McEvoy B.T. (2009) The literature review: six steps to success. Thousand Oaks California: Corwin Press.
Oliver P. (2003) The student's guide to research ethics. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Hellawell D. (2006) Inside-out: analysis of the insider- outsider concept as a heuristic device to develop reflexivity in students doing qualitative research. Teaching in Higher Education 11(4) 483-494.
Machi L.A. & McEvoy B.T. (2009) The literature review: six steps to success. Thousand Oaks California: Corwin Press.
Oliver P. (2003) The student's guide to research ethics. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Module Resources
Research supervision
Blackboard access
Blackboard access
Module Learning Strategies
Contact Hours: (18 over 3 days)
4 hours Lead lectures
4 hours Workshops
4 hours Group work
6 hours Presentation of thesis in total (attendance at day - including own presentation of 45 minutes)
The nature of research at doctoral level cannot be prescribed too tightly, as one of the skills being tested is your ability to structure and direct your own research programme, under supervision. The following breakdown is therefore for illustrative rather than regulative purposes:
Independent Study Hours: (282)
42 hours preparation for presentation
100 hours Reading and resourcing
80 hours Reflection
60 hours Assignment preparation
4 hours Lead lectures
4 hours Workshops
4 hours Group work
6 hours Presentation of thesis in total (attendance at day - including own presentation of 45 minutes)
The nature of research at doctoral level cannot be prescribed too tightly, as one of the skills being tested is your ability to structure and direct your own research programme, under supervision. The following breakdown is therefore for illustrative rather than regulative purposes:
Independent Study Hours: (282)
42 hours preparation for presentation
100 hours Reading and resourcing
80 hours Reflection
60 hours Assignment preparation
Module Indicative Content
How to write a good proposal - key elements including
Understanding the field of enquiry
Explain factors that influenced choice of topic
Clear and justified research questions
Clear and justified theoretical, conceptual and epistemological approach
Ethical issues - ethical sensitivity in general
Identification of potential problems in the undertaking of the research
How to prepare for the thesis presentation- key requirements
Understanding the field of enquiry
Explain factors that influenced choice of topic
Clear and justified research questions
Clear and justified theoretical, conceptual and epistemological approach
Ethical issues - ethical sensitivity in general
Identification of potential problems in the undertaking of the research
How to prepare for the thesis presentation- key requirements
Module Additional Assessment Details
Written thesis proposal 5000 words
You will be required to submit a full thesis proposal. The proposal should clearly articulate the research design and methodology upon which the thesis is to be based.
Oral defence of the proposed thesis: 45 minutes (presentation 25 minutes- questions 20 minutes)
Both elements must be passed. Each task assesses all Learning Outcomes
Additional Assessment Details:
Written thesis proposal must be submitted in draft form 6 weeks prior to the thesis presentation in order that formative feedback can be given.
You will be required to submit a full thesis proposal. The proposal should clearly articulate the research design and methodology upon which the thesis is to be based.
Oral defence of the proposed thesis: 45 minutes (presentation 25 minutes- questions 20 minutes)
Both elements must be passed. Each task assesses all Learning Outcomes
Additional Assessment Details:
Written thesis proposal must be submitted in draft form 6 weeks prior to the thesis presentation in order that formative feedback can be given.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Must be enrolled on the Doctorate in Professional Studies