This flexible module enables students to choose an award relevant topic and type of assignment which is best suited to their current areas of interest and career aspirations.
Students may choose to conduct a research project where they identify a topic for research, design
and conduct an appropriate study, analyse and interpret data they have collected and write and submit a report in line with the Sport and Exercise format for dissertations. Alternatively students may conduct a piece of work based on an identified need in Sport and Exercise. Examples of work in this area include; the production of web resources, guidelines for best practice, evaluation of local government sport policy. Detailed consideration of ethical issues and risk assessments will be covered.
There will therefore be differences in the type and format (agreed with supervisors in line with SHE guidelines) of assignments submitted by students. However, all pieces of work will include the following; Introduction, Literature Review, Justification, Evaluation/Discussion, Personal Reflection. Therefore, all students will have to demonstrate a critical awareness of current literature, be able to apply knowledge to an award specific area and be able to evaluate and reflect on the completed work and how this prepares them for an identified career.

Summative Assessment.
Students will be required to complete 3 pieces of summative assessment:
1. A 10 minute presentation outlining the proposed programme of work (weeks 4 or5). Worth 5% of the overall module mark, to assess LOs 1 and 3.
2. A submission (week 6 or 7) of a project proposal, comprising rational, methodology and design, methods of data analysis, ethical issues, costing and risk assessment (as appropriate). Worth 10% of the overall module mark, to assess LOs 1 and 3.
3. A 7500 word assignment in a format agreed with the supervisor (week 24). Worth 85% of the overall module mark.
Resources developed as part of the module (e.g., web resources, guidelines for best practice) will be
submitted as part of the assignment and will contribute to the word count, in line with Sport and Exercise guidelines. To assess all LOs.

The module has a two key formative pieces of work that are compulsory submissions.

The first summative assignment is the presentation and this also provides formative support for assignment 2.

The second formative submission is to complete and submit the following sections early in semester 2:

The completion of the Dissertation Introduction, Literature Review and Methodology conforming to word limits and guidelines as stipulated in the Guide to Planning, Designing and Undertaking an Undergraduate Dissertation or equivalent to as appropriate to the project being undertaken.

All students must submit the formative assessment in order to fulfil the requirements of the module.
Failure to do so will involve failure of the module.

Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via:
'Drop in' Research Support workshops and meetings with project supervisor and comments on the formative submission.

Bradbury, A. (2000). 'Successful Presentation Skills' Rogan Page.
Cottrell, S. (2003). 'The Study Skills Handbook'. Basingstoke: Hampshire. Palgrove Macmillan.
Kinnear, P. R. and Gray, C. D. (2000). 'SPSS for Windows Made Simple'. Hove, East Sussex, Psychology Press Ltd.
Thomas, J. R. and Nelson, J. K. (1996). 'Research Methods in Physical Activity'. Champaign: ILL. Human Kinetics.

Appropriately and adequately equipped lecture theatre
Appropriately and adequately equipped IT room
Appropriately and adequately stocked library facilities
Internet access sufficient to access blackboard

Contact Hours: (24)
12 hours of lectures covering central content of the module. Example topics include, research methods, ethics, careers and presentation skills
6 hours of meetings with supervisor (approximately 15 minutes per week)
6 hours of workshops

Independent Study Hours: (276)
220 hours of work for the end of module assessment
56 hours of preparatory work for programme proposal

The independent study tasks will vary according to the nature of the project and need and will therefore be individually managed