Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024

Module THEO50A90: Foundations for the research project

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO50A90: Foundations for the research project

Type	Tied	Level	5	Credits	90	Availability	Available in 2023/24	Module Cap	None.

Tied to	DThM

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combination of Modules

None.

Aims

To equip students to conduct doctoral-level research in practical theology in the context of ministry.

Content

This will embrace four main areas:
Qualitative research methods, e.g. designing and beginning ethnographic research, data analysis
Literature-based research methods, e.g. identifying key texts and designing a literature review
General research skills, e.g. reading and writing
Subject-specific guidance (from supervisors)

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Demonstrable in-depth understanding of the literature associated with the selected investigation
Advanced understanding of a range of research methods and the ability to identify suitable techniques of data collection and analysis relevant to the proposed investigation
An understanding of research ethics, where qualitative research is included

Subject-specific Skills:

The ability to construct a viable research proposal in theology in the context of ministry.
Advanced research skills including the ability to identify main questions and key sources.
Ability to present engagement with textual sources and/or qualitative data and analysis to professional standard.

Key Skills:

The ability to present sophisicated and complex information clearly in the written form.

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

Lectures: to model approaches to research in a range of theological disciplines
Seminars/workshops: to learn a range of research skills and methods relevant to the student’s project, from a range of qualitative research and literature-based research oriented sessions
Tutorials with subject experts: to allow small-group and one-to-one discussion of research being undertaken by the students
Supervision meetings: to allow focused discussion with supervisory team of research being undertaken by the student
Presentations: to allow students to practice research skills and methods

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	8	4 per residential school	90 minutes	12
Tutorials	2	1 per residential school	90 minutes	3
Seminars/workshops	6	3 per residential school	90 minutes	9
Supervision	4 (minimum)	1 initial meeting then minimum another 3	60 minutes	4
Presentations	42 2 (student's own) 40 (other students' presentations)	1 per residential school (typically first presenting research proposal, second presenting essay as article for publication) 20 per residential (other students’ presentations)	45	31.5
Student preparation and reading time associated with formative writing and summative assessments				840.5
Total				900

Summative Assessment

Component: Research Proposal		Component Weighting: 20%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Research Proposal	2,000 words	100%
Component: Article For Publication		Component Weighting: 50%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Essay as an article for publication	7,000 words	100%
Component: Research Methodology and Justification		Component Weighting: 30%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Research Methodology and Critical Justification for Student Research Project	6,000 words	100%

Formative Assessment:

Written pieces as directed by the student's supervisors with written and verbal feedback.

■ 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