Module EDUC45960: Dissertation

Department: Education

EDUC45960: Dissertation

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Dissertation in joint subject.

Aims

• Develop knowledge and understanding of:
• research questions aligned with research designs;
• advanced understanding of research quality.
• Develop skills and abilities to:
• formulate researchable research questions;
• apply appropriate research designs and methods to investigate an issue in education;
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strength and limitations of various research designs and methods;
• critically judge existing research;
• report research for academic audience.

Content

• The focus of the dissertation will be decided in consultation between the student, the module convenor and the supervisor. The dissertation will need to focus on research design and methods either as a main theme in itself or as a key focus within the thesis.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module, students should have knowledge of:
• reporting research for academic audience;
• incorporate theory in research;
• appropriate match and alignment between research questions and research designs;
• quality judgement criteria in research and their application.

• Formulate researchable research questions;
• Employ appropriate research design methodologies to investigate the topic or issue;
• Show critical judgement of existing research;
• Synthesising research for reporting.

• Communicate effectively in writing.
• Work with a high level of autonomy.
• Access and use literature.
• Synthesise research findings.

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

• The independent study is supported by individual supervision.
• This allows appropriate guidance to be given.
• The assessment is by submission of a 12,000 word dissertation.
• This assesses knowledge and understanding of the theoretical perspectives, formulation of questions and research designs, critical judgement of existing research and independent thinking skills, ability to construct a sustained argument reasonably supported with references.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Throughout the study period for the MA in Research Methods (Education), students are encouraged to think about and identify possible areas for research, possible supervisors who could guide them in developing and carrying out their research, and identify suitable methods that will allow them to address the research question. Students therefore receive verbal and/or written feedback on ideas about planning, design and analysis of their research from their supervisor, potential supervisors and/or the course leader as required during their period of study.

■ 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