A 3500-word critical evaluation on a self-selected topic relevant to the student’s area of work/academic interest. (100% weighting, assessing all learning outcomes.)

Additional Assessment Details (include formative feedback / assessment):
Students will deliver a 10-minute oral presentation on their essay plans, and receive five minutes feedback from their peer group, and the module lead/module tutor

In addition to the classroom sessions, students will have regular one-to-one supervision with the module lead, or module tutor.

This module will provide students with the knowledge and skills required for successful academic performance at postgraduate-level. Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate how to evaluate and synthesise evidence with the goal of advancing knowledge within their own specialism.

Students will learn about the role of finding and appraising evidence. This will include searching for credible sources and also key concepts by which data is judged, such as validity, reliability and trustworthiness. The application of theory and concepts to the understanding of ‘real world’ phenomena will also be explored.

The module process will enable students to reflect upon their own processes of data gathering and analysis. This will cover concepts of reflection and reflexivity, and how the collection and evaluation of data is shaped by our personal experience and cognitive biases.

The module will also focus on the academic standards required at postgraduate level, including, effective communication, how to convey critical evaluations, and the appropriate use of material and referencing.

• Searching for literature/evidence
• Critical thinking and evaluation
• Assessing the quality of sources
• Reflection and reflexivity
• Cognitive bias
• Structuring and delivering material
• Key research concepts
• Academic standards; values and ethics
• Referencing

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (30 hours)

20 hours – Classroom lectures
7 hours – groupwork, Action Learning Sets
3 - individual tutorials

Guided Independent Study: (170 hours)
100 hours- reading
60 hours - preparation for and writing assignment
10 hour - reflective writing

Cottrell, S. (2017) Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument. London: Palgrave MacMillan.

Hart, C. (2018) Doing a Literature Review: Releasing the Research Imagination. London: Sage.

Wallace, M. & Wray, A. (2021) Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates. London: Sage.

Library resources
Blackboard/VLE
Classroom facilities

A first degree, or relevant professional / vocational experience.

1. To evaluate the current state of knowledge within an identified topic area.

2. To demonstrate an understanding of research evidence obtained from credible sources and critically reflect upon the process of data gathering and analysis.

3. To communicate innovative insights and recommendations derived from a synthesis of evidence.