• To produce a scholarly dissertation of 10-1200 words based on agreed action research, applying and developing appropriate theoretical models and research methodologies which will have been defined in the learning contract.

Objectives

By the end of the module, the student should have

• Carried out substantial experiential/action research
• Produced a carefully planned, problematised and conceptualised dissertation, developing independent insights and arguments.
• Acted autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
• Demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
• Shown him/herself to be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data and communicate their conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Indicative Content

• As relevant to individual research
  

Indicative Reading List

Glatthorn, A. Writing the Winning Dissertation, 1998
Potter, s. Doing Postgraduate Research, 2002
Wisker, G. The Postgraduate Research Handbook, 2001

Subject-specific sources to be generated according to project content and purpose

Module Assessment Criteria/Categories

Research and Contextual Knowledge:

Evidence of substantial research in an appropriate range of primary and secondary sources and the student’s ability to extract material relevant to the topic. Clear understanding of how research informs practice.

Ideas, Understanding, Reflectivity:

Students are expected to develop well-conceptualised, ideas-led work. They should
demonstrate insight and a critical understanding of issues and debates and show
imagination and independence of thought in evaluation their own practice as well as that of others.

Communication, Organisation and Consolidation:
Skill in synthesis and the management of complexity, demonstrating the ability to draw parameters effectively. Both verbal and written work should be coherent and clearly and cohesively structured. The dissertation should provide clear and evaluative feedback for the host organisation and demonstrate the relevance of the student’s action research for the workplace.