This approximate 10,000 words assignment will develop exploratory, critical and evaluative skills, used to create a comprehensive and critical account of existing research and relevant theory related to the topic of the planned thesis. The review should also provide and support the chosen rationale for the planned research with extensive reference to appropriate research literature.

Candidates must have relevant prior learning and professional experience.

Cooper, H. (2010). Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis: A Step-By-Step Approach. Los Angeles: Sage.
Hart, C. (2001). Doing a literature review: Releasing the social science research imagination. London: Sage.
Hyland, K. (1999). Disciplinary discourses: Writer stance in research articles. In C. Candlin & K. Hyland (eds) Writing: Texts, processes and practices. London: Longman.
Machi, L.A. (2009). The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success.
Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press.
Wallace, M. and Wray, A. (2006) Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates, Sage Study Skills, Sage, London.

Module handbook with bibliographical guidance. Blackboard, VLE platforms. Library electronic access with guidance and bibliographical search guidance.

Tutorials, seminars and workshops

The review task will be taken forward and developed by the participant¿s engagement with questions exemplified in the following list:
What are the origins and competing definitions of this topic? What are the major issues and debates?
What are the main questions and approaches within these debates that have already been researched?
How does a particular study/paper/report relate to my research questions?
What are its key theoretical and conceptual ideas?
How has the literature reviewed increased knowledge and understanding of the topic?
What are the main sources that support the line of argument?
What are the main sources that question the line of argument?
Are there any areas that have not been previously explored in the literature?