MSc Dissertation

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Make your own contribution to educational understanding by presenting a coherent, detailed and sustained argument at length on an educational topic
• Refine and practice a range of skills which would be useful to you in further study or a professional/work based context.
• Analyse and synthesise research findings
• Acquire appropriate Ethical and Research Governance approvals where needed
• Demonstrate an understanding of data collection and analysis methods, where applicable
• Choose and evaluate a feasible independent research design, project plan and structure
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the approaches by which research and critical awareness of debates in education can be utilised to construct a scholarly argument.
• Develop your own ideas and organise a project independently but with supportive guidance
• Devise appropriate research methods to undertake a research project, where applicable
• Critically evaluate an appropriate range of relevant primary source materials and arguments reflected in other sources and propose a relevant area of investigation
• Devise appropriate research questions
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of your chosen dissertation project, its potential impact on practice and the range of relevant scholarly literature and source materials
• Know the research process and understand methods of data collection and analysis and apply them in a self-reliant manner
• Produce and present a carefully argued dissertation
• Develop advanced practical and analytical skills in a range of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods as an academic researcher and writer on educational and social matters

In studying this module you will cover aspects of the following:

• Strategies for focusing and managing the research process.
• Quantitative and qualitative methodologies and approaches to research.
• Key data collection methods (surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation).
• Methods for analysing and interpreting data.
• Dissertation writing and presentation skills

The dissertation builds on work undertaken across other taught modules and provides you with an opportunity to undertake an independent project in a chosen topic. Students are expected to manage their project independently with academic guidance and support by their supervisor. Supervisory support is provided via tutorials and/or electronic feedback and communication, as appropriate.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.