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 submit a short (10-minute) recorded oral presentation on their essay plans, and receive feedback from their peer group via Blackboard, and the module lead/module tutor.

In addition to the Blackboard content, students are encouraged to set up one-to-one supervision on MS Teams 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

1. To evaluate the current state of knowledge within an identified topic area
Enquiry; Knowledge and Understanding; Learning

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

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (25 hours)¿
25 hours – Online Lectures, videos, interactive discussion and tutorials

Guided Independent Study: (175 hours)¿
100 hours- reading
65 hours - preparation for assignment, including the formative assessment
10 hours - reflective writing

Library resources¿
Blackboard/VLE¿
Classroom facilities

A first degree, or relevant professional / vocational experience.

Cottrell, S. (2023) 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.

Whatever your professional background and intended direction of study, this Level 7 module will provide you with the knowledge and skills required for successful academic performance at postgraduate-level. You 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 you to reflect upon 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 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.