The purpose of the dissertation is to critically examine, in depth, a research question relevant to the participant's practice. This should be supported by a critical review of the literature, a statement of the methods, an analysis of the data and an extended discussion of the findings.
During the taught sessions the lecturers will outline and confirm key features and structure of the final Dissertation, establish the support structures available to students during the module. Action learning sets will be used for students to deliver, and receive feedback on, a confirmed outline of their final project plans, prior to commencing work.
The project and Dissertation will usually be based on the project detailed in the (WL 817) Research Skills module. For the Dissertation, every student will be allocated an academic supervisor. Students should work with their allocated academic supervisor for the duration of the Dissertation to ensure that their work is completed to meet the submission deadline. Students should direct the work and initiate contact with their supervisor. Projects will only be permitted to proceed subject to prior consultation with the academic team and any necessary ethical approval and, where appropriate, employing organisation permission.
Full details of the requirements for the Dissertation will be provided in the 'Student and Supervisors Handbook Guide’ issued during the taught session. Projects will only be permitted to proceed subject to, where appropriate, prior consideration and approval by the CPP Ethics Committee and, where necessary a NHS (other organisation) Ethics Committee.
Total contact hours: 28
Private study hours: 572
Total study hours: 600
This 60 credit module is available during Autumn, Spring and Summer terms (depending on intake).
This module is part of the Master's level programme.
Main assessment methods:
Presentation 10 minutes 10%
Dissertation 12,000 words 80%
Presentation 10 minutes 10%
In order to successfully complete this module an overall pass must be achieved.
Bryman, A. (2015) Social Research Methods. 5th Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Creswell, J. (2018) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 5th Edition. London: Sage.
Gray, D. (2017) Doing Research in the Real World. London: Sage.
Hart, C. (2004), Doing Your Masters Dissertation. London: Sage.
Robson C. and McCartern. Real World Research. 4th Edition. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
Apply the principles and methodologies of the management of a work-based research
project in the context of their own practice and the wider workplace setting.
Undertake informed research strategies, to identify the best available evidence, utilizing a range of database tool and techniques; critically assessing the literature for validity and relevance using recognised appraisal tools.
Apply selected methodology and methods appropriate to conduct a work-based
project.
Produce a work-based research project dissertation, containing the key elements of: research methodology, research project and dissertation management, and ethical consideration relevant to the participants’ professional practice.
MSc in Advanced and Specialist Healthcare; MA / MSc in Professional Practice.
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