The dissertation will include carrying out an extensive piece of empirical research that requires students to individually demonstrate a range of research skills including planning, considering and resolving ethical issues, analysis and dissemination of findings.

Flexible by arrangement

Assessment

Dissertation/Research Report (80%) · The dissertation should be no more than 10,000 - 12,000 words in length. The ideal length may be suggested by the supervisor.

Practical Skills (20%) The supervisor provides a grade based on the student's demonstration of specific criteria within the ILOs (e.g., design, execution, analysis of the project, understanding of ethical/professional issues related to the research).

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

To develop in students the ability to plan a research project including developing and answering a research question based on literature based rationale, implementing sound methodological practices, carrying out suitable analysis and evaluating the impact of the study on the relevant field. The findings will be disseminated in a scientific document.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

■ Develop a research question with a clear evidence-based rationale  

■ Use appropriate methodology and analytical techniques to answer the research question 

■ Write a scientific document based on the evidence they have gathered and their subsequent analysis of the data demonstrating clear understanding and interpretation of their findings and their impact on relevant fields 

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.