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Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


SP50153: Dissertation planning

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 2
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 75%, PR 25%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:

* To develop a comprehensive and critical understanding of the basic principles of research strategy.
* To reflect critically on the appropriateness, strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches to research.
* To support students in identifying their own original research questions.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will:
* Have a comprehensive understanding of the methods of preparing, organising and writing up a dissertation for a Masters programme.
* Be able to reflect critically on the suitability of diverse approaches for investigating and analysing problems.
* Have demonstrated the ability to write a research proposal.

Skills:

* Develop the skills needed for advanced academic study and enquiry
* Evaluate research and evidence critically to appropriate postgraduate standards using a variety of academic and non-academic sources
* Synthesise information from a variety of academic perspectives and non-academic sources for a relevant understanding of theoretical and practical approaches
* Develop skills to reflect critically on the suitability of diverse approaches for investigating and analysing problems.
* Plan, execute and evaluate the investigation and presentation of study and research projects
* Reflect critically on the appropriateness, strengths and weaknesses of social science theories, perspectives and policy making
* Advise others and work effectively in teams
* Evaluate critically intellectual and professional performance of self and others
* Develop ability to formulate a research question and to communicate this effectively through written and oral media.

Content:
This course will prepare the groundwork for students' dissertations. Through a series of lectures and discussions students will learn how to review relevant literature, formulate research questions and outline a programme and method of investigation for a selected topic.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

SP50153 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.