Further information
For further details about this module, please contact the Module Leader:
Nickey Rooke
n.rookeucs.ac.uk|
Dates
The Introductory Day is on 15 September 2011 for all students commencing their dissertation in 2011/12.
Research Supervision by arrangement with research supervisor.
Students commencing their dissertaion in September 2011 can attend the following workshops:
Workshop dates all running from 09.30 to 15.30.
Workshop One - 19 Sept 2011
Introduction to the module
Writing the research proposal
Workshop Two - 27 October 2011
Practicalities of applying and gaining ethical approval from UCS Ethics Committee and the local Reserach Ethics Committee (if required)
Workshop Three - 26 April 2011
Student led topics
For students starting their Dissertation later in the year, please contact the module leader for further Workshop dates.
Rationale
The MA dissertation provides an opportunity to extend the research base of the students' field of practice. The dissertation will allow students to demonstrate a critical and constructive awareness of their professional practice from the wider philosophical, theoretical and social contexts within which health and social care operates. The dissertation will enable students to reflect their individual interests and to demonstrate some originality of thought and analytical creativity in the study of their chosen area. The application of practical, intellectual and problem solving skills will facilitate the development of an in depth understanding of a research topic. The dissertation will also provide a mechanism for the continuing development of autonomy and self-direction.
Although there is a degree of overlap, the terms projects, dissertation and research activity will be defined as follows:
Project: a set of activities focussing on the students' work place. Such activities aim to directly influence some aspects of practice or policy in the student's work place and will be rigorously planned and evaluated.
Dissertation: is a predominantly literature-based analytical exploration of a chosen area, often developing a theoretical position.
Research Activity: a rigorous and systematic investigation into some aspects of a discipline/profession. Research activity is expected to involve the collation of primary data and have clear implications for the student's area of study, but not necessarily applied to his/her workplace. A student intending to undertake primary research will be required to submit their proposal to their local NHS Trust Research and Development Committee.
Aims of the Module
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To enable the students to demonstrate mastery of a subject relevant to their own practice through the process of research.
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To facilitate the students to execute the stages of the research process.
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To enable students to critically evaluate the impact of research on own professional practice, policy and further research.
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To provide the opportunity for the student to make a contribution to the body of knowledge and research within their own profession.
Learning Outcomes
Following successful completion of the dissertation, the students will have:
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Planned and executed a research project relevant to their field of practice.
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Recognised their ethical responsibilities in undertaking their chosen research topic.
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Demonstrated evidence of critical analysis and discussion of relevant literature and comparisons of theoretical approaches and methodologies (where appropriate).
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Discussed the wider implications of the research findings to their field of practice.
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Drawn conclusions which have been derived from the data obtained and discussed the reliability and validity of their findings.
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Demonstrated an understanding of the theoretical significance of the research undertaken.
Assessment
The dissertation should be 12000 words in length. Weighting 100%