Postgraduate Major Project

MOD000835 (M0835) - Postgraduate Major Project (MA)

Credits

60

Level

7

Restrictions

Pre-requisites: Completion of 120 credits of pathway credits

Co-requisites: None

Exclusions: None

Description

This module is the final element of taught post-graduate programmes in the Department. Successful completion of this module, following successful completion of the taught elements of post-graduate MA degrees in the Department, will lead to an MA qualification.

The assessment for this module comprises an extended piece of research culminating in an 18,000 word major project and is worth 60 credits. The research project is developed in conjunction with a specified supervisor and in the context of the area of study of the MA in question. Students can work on any topic that the Department agrees and is able to supervise.

The major project should enable students to demonstrate the ability to explore important and relevant questions in the context of their specialist subject area. They should be able to show detailed knowledge of the research area, demonstrating depth and/or breadth as appropriate; a critical understanding of appropriate methodologies and theories; the ability to present well-argued conclusions from a range of different sources, using material that may be complex and challenging, as appropriate. Students should be able to recognise and propose solutions to ethical issues raised in the course of the research. They should be able to communicate their research in coherent terms, both orally and in writing as required.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:-

1. With reference to a chosen significant and complex area for enquiry, establish a method for investigation/exploration of key concepts, models and principles
2. Demonstrate knowledge of a specialised subject area, with depth and breadth as appropriate
3. Demonstrate initiative and independence in problem solving, and be able to critically evaluate relevant material and develop effective arguments
4. Critically justify and rigorously apply appropriate methodologies, techniques and practical strategies, with appropriate sensitivity to context, and incorporating an ethical dimension where appropriate
5. Work autonomously with minimum guidance to manage information, research tasks writing and deadlines
6. Communicate the above knowledge, understanding and skills in coherent and competent terms, both orally and in writing as required

Learning Activities

Teacher managed learning: 6 hours

Student managed learning: 594 hours

Assessment Method

15000 word dissertation.

Outline Content

• Develop a major project proposal
• Arrange and prepare for consultations with a supervisor
• Conduct independent research
• Write drafts
• Edit and revise as appropriate
• Write an abstract
• Prepare a bibliography
• Summarise findings or give presentations as appropriate
• Prepare a final version of the project for submission to a deadline

Key Texts

• Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science, 5th edition,  Buckingham, OUP
• Blaxter et al How to Research Milton Keynes, OUP 2001
• Cameron, H, Bhatti, D, Duce, C, Sweeney, J and Watkins, C (2010) Talking about God in Practice: Theological Action Research and Practical Theology, SCM Press
• Carey G.V Mind the Stop, A Brief Guide to Punctuation Harmondsworth, Penguin 1979
• Gaskell, P New Introduction to Bibliography, Oxford, Clarendon, 1972
• Mann T The Oxford Guide to Library Research, Oxford, OUP 1998
• Sharp, J A and Howard, K Management of a Student Research Project London, Gower, 1996
• Strunk, W. and White, E.B. The Elements of Style, 3rd edition, Needham Heights Mass, Allyn and Bacon 1976
• Wisker G The Post-graduate Research Handbook, Basingstoke, Palgrave, 2001