Module HEAS43660: Dissertation in Public Policy and Global Health

Department: Health [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

HEAS43660: Dissertation in Public Policy and Global Health

Prerequisites

• Students must have undertaken at least one module in health research methods prior to commencing the dissertation and must have provisionally passed the two research methods modules prior to the dissertation being submitted to a Board of Examiners.

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The objective of the dissertation is to allow the student to conduct, as an individual initiative, a substantial piece of academic work on a topic within public policy and global health of their own choosing, write it up and present it in a scholarly fashion.

Content

• The content will be dependent upon the student's chosen topic and research method as submitted in a dissertation proppsal to the PGT Subject Management Board. The topic will be decided on the advice of the Subject Management Board and in discussion with a potential dissertation supervisor. It will approved by the Board of Studies or its delegate on the advice of the Subject Management Board. As a general principle, due to the time restrictions upon the production of the dissertation the topic, content and method of the dissertation will be restricted to those that do not require the obtaining of ethical consent for the research.

Learning Outcomes

• Students should develop:
• Advanced conceptual abilities and analytical skills in order to evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to your research question
• Creativity in the application of knowledge
• A practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry have been used to develop the knowledge base in your topic area.

• This dissertation will:
• Extend the student's analytical and written communication skills and consequent ability to contribute to the extension of knowledge in the field of public policy and global health
• Gain the necessary training to undertake advanced level research in public policy and global health.

• Key skills are embodied in the subject specific skills. These include:
• Research skills - especially in utilising library or other facilities databases
• Knowledge management - collating and synthesising material from different sources
• Critical thinking - critiquing existing knowledge in the light of others' work and own research findings and the application of advanced knowledge to specialised topic of own choice
• Presentation - preparing and presenting complex material in an accessible manner
• Managing a research project - including time management and process management.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Seminars - Provide opportunities for students to discuss with lecturers and fellow students detailed aspects of their dissertation and to learn from each other in the design and conduct of research
• Independent study, research and analysis - Focus student knowledge more deeply by pursuing aspects of the module that are of special interest to themselves and exploring specific application in their field of study.
• Library research - Promotes independent lifelong learning skills as well as promoting learning from a variety of sources
• Written assessment will test students' critical knowledge and understanding of key concepts, their ability to argue coherently and communicate effectively in writing, and to reflectively assess their proficiency in thinking through (depending on their topic of choice) the complexity of health-related issues; issues in health professional education research and/or teaching methods; challenges of public policy and health or health service related services.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessment comprises feedback on the dissertation proposal and the supervisor's written comments on draft chapters.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University