2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

HECS5152M Dissertation

45 creditsClass Size: 70

If you are applying for a stand-alone Masters level module please note you must meet either the general University entry criteria or the specific module pre-requisite for this level of study.

Module manager: Joan Maclean
Email: J.Maclean@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Jun to 30 Jun (13mth), 1 Sep to 30 Jun(Adv pre 2223), 1 Sep to 30 Sept (13mth) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students registered on the MSc Midwifery must have completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery (with registration) at the University of Leeds

Co-requisites

IOFN5004M

Research Methods

This module is mutually exclusive with

DCPE5011M	Dissertation
DOME5003M	Dissertation
DONE5009M	Dissertation / Practice Based Project
HECS5138M	Dissertation - MA Counselling
IOFN5500M	Dissertation

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. formulate a clear research question that is relevant to professional practice and appropriate for investigation by way of:
- a) empirical research, or
- b) a systematic review of the literature, or
- c) identify a problem or question appropriate for investigation by way of an evaluated practice development;

2. select an appropriate methodology and design methods to address the question;
3. prepare a proposal to address the research question or problem;
4. operationalise the proposal;
5. critically analyse the results of the investigation and demonstrate insightful analysis and synthesis;
6. provide, in written format, an in-depth, critical and reflective account of the results of the investigation to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the techniques applicable to the study;
7. generate recommendations and a dissemination and implementation plan that will enhance practice.

Learning outcomes
On completing this module students will have gained knowledge and skills in formulating a clear research question that is relevant to professional practice and appropriate for investigation by way of:

a) empirical research or
b) a systematic review of the literature or
c) identify a problem or question appropriate for investigation by way of an evaluated practice development.

The student will also have developed knowledge and skills in selecting an appropriate methodology, developing a proposal to address their question and operationalised the proposal. Within the written dissertation skills in critical analyse, interpretation of results and creative dissemination and implementation plans will also develop.

Skills outcomes
- research /project design/project management;
- data collection and data analysis;
- writing research reports;
- dissemination of research findings.

Syllabus

This module will enable students to formulate and operationalise a clear research question or practice development problem that is relevant to the practice environment and appropriate for investigation utilising one of three pathways:
i) empirical research;
ii) a systematic review of the literature;
iii) an evaluated practice development.

Students will be encouraged and supported by academic supervisors who have experience in the chosen pathway and or subject speciality as appropriate. For some student, two academic supervisors may be required; where there are two academic supervisors, one supervisor may be located in practice.

This dissertation will build upon students' prior learning and enable them to provide an in-depth critical and reflective account drawing on appropriate underpinning theoretical literature. Such literature will be used to support the methodology adopted and methods operationalised to explain the professional practice issue and to explain the implications of the student's findings. Information will be presented in a format suitable for dissemination.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	10	1.00	10.00
Lecture	9	2.00	18.00
Independent online learning hours			422.00
Private study hours			0.00
Total Contact hours			28.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			450.00

Private study

- Develop the proposal
- Literature searching
- Reading
- Undertake the proposal
- Writing
- Academic supervision.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Peer review of the research proposal
Supervisors review of the proposal
Research governance process or organisational approval for practice development as appropriate
Academic supervision

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	10,500 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

A dissertation of 10,500 words using one of the following approaches: a) Systematic review or b) Research project or c) Practice development The module will be offered twice per academic session: The first delivery is to commence during semester 1 week 1. The second delivery is to commence during semester 2b week 37.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/12/2015

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD