Submission of a thesis maximum 50,000 words (addressing LO's 1-3)
Viva voce - in defence of the written thesis (addressing LO's 1-4)

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
One to one supervision throughout the process therefore ongoing formative feedback
Annual progress reports from both student and supervisor
Attend annual progress review meetings

The overall purpose of this module is for you to generate a piece of original research at the cutting edge of your chosen field. This exercise tests your knowledge of the discipline and your readiness to contribute to it by the creation of new knowledge.

The module will build upon your ideas from the thesis proposal, but we expect that your ideas and the direction of your research will evolve as the module proceeds. Therefore this module will focus upon your independent inquiry: it will be largely self determined and support will be provided on a one-to-one basis via your academic supervisor Your academic supervisor will be able to provide advice, ideas and guidance in relation to your research, but the form and content of their support will depend on your research and will therefore be individualised.

This is an independently driven module which is supported by one to one academic supervision.
Additionally peer group workshops will be offered once per term.
The nature of research at doctoral level cannot be prescribed too tightly, as one of the skills being tested is the student's ability to structure and direct their own research programme, under supervision. The following breakdown is therefore for illustrative rather than regulative purposes:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (50 hours)
50 hours Research Supervision

Guided Independent Study: (2350 hours)
50 hours Skills Workshops
100 hours Gaining independent peer review approval
100 hours Gaining ethical and site approval
100 hours Gaining access to research sites/participants
450 hours Researching and writing literature review
350 hours Collecting data
350 hours Analysing/Interpreting data
350 hours Writing the research report
350 hours Researching and writing the commentary/reflective review
150 hours Preparing for viva

Research supervision

Jesson J.K., Matheson l. & Lacey F.M. (2011) Doing your literature review: traditional and systematic techniques. London:Sage.
Phillips. E. & Pugh, D.S. (2010) How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors Milton Keynes: OUP
Trafford, V. & Keshem, J. (2008) Stepping Stones to Achieving Your Doctorate: focusing on your viva from the start Milton Keynes: OUP

1. Critically review all relevant current research in their chosen field, demonstrating broad and deep mastery of it along with the ability to creatively and critically employ it as the basis for further development of the subject (Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Demonstrate the ability to conceive, design implement and complete a substantial process of research with integrity that makes a contribution that extends the frontier of professional knowledge
(Analysis, Enquiry, Learning)

3. Reflexively and with critical argument identify the potential limitations of the study and highlight possible solutions (Application, Communication, Reflection)

4. Demonstrate the ability to mount a verbal defence of the work undertaken clearly outlining its originality and contribution to the discipline (Application, Communication)