Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Students need to have gained 120 credits from modules within the Practitioner Enquiry pathway before they can start their dissertation.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

•       To enable students to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a selected topic in the field of educational leadership and management
•       To enable students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the research process by devising and conducting an original investigation in the field of educational leadership and management
•       To provide students with the opportunity both to extend their repertoire of methodological skills and demonstrate a capacity for critical reflexivity
•       To heighten students’ awareness of the dilemmas encountered when undertaking educational research

Outline Of Syllabus

The module provides the student with experience of undertaking a substantial, independent empirical enquiry into an approved topic relating to educational leadership and management. The research can be presented in the form of a conventional dissertation of 15,000 words or, alternatively, as an equivalent, research-based portfolio of the same length. So-called ‘action research’ projects, undertaken pragmatically with a view to improving practice, often lend themselves to the latter format. Tutors will offer guidance about the choice of format and feasibility of the topic (as well as the suitability of its proposed methods of investigation). All research projects, irrespective of format or topic, will be expected to conform to the following requirements:

•       The project will draw upon primary data to address the research question (or questions)
•       The research will be appropriately contextualised with critical reference made to relevant published sources
•       An appraisal of the theoretical underpinnings of the research will be undertaken
•       A reflexive commentary on research methods will be provided and the strengths and limitations of the design discussed
•       The ethical issues raised by the research will be explored
•       The findings will be reported in an unambiguous and transparent manner
•       The discussion will include reference to the practical implications of the findings as well as indicating possible future lines of enquiry

The module includes:
1.       Interactive session: Devising and planning a research project
2.       Regular meetings on a one-to-one basis with supervisor

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

•       Specialist knowledge and understanding of a specific aspect of educational leadership and management
•       Critical grasp and detailed knowledge of the relevant literature in the selected field
•       Enhanced knowledge and understanding of the research process
•       Enhanced knowledge and understanding of methodological issues, including the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research design and different types of data
•       Enhanced knowledge and understanding of matters relating to informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, objectivity and transparency
•       Ability to develop a sustained argument that is supported by systematically collected evidence
•       In-depth understanding of the contribution of education research to the creation and application of professional knowledge

Intended Skill Outcomes

•       Capacity to devise and carry-out independent research in educational leadership and management
•       Ability to utilise key concepts, theories and approaches relevant to the selected field
•       Ability to interpret and evaluate primary and secondary research data
•       Ability to formulate a valid research question and select and apply the appropriate methods for its investigation
•       Communicate the research findings in a transparent and unambiguous manner outlining, where appropriate, their practical implications
•       Capacity to provide a reflexive commentary on the research process

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

This module is initially introduced through an interactive session. This will enable the students to explore issues of common concern relating to research design, methods and the conduct of their planned enquiries (including ethics). This initial session will be followed by one-to-one tutorials and email support with supervisors.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students could complete either the assessment stated above or a 15,000 word portfolio: a report of an action research project in the student's workplace on an approved topic in educational leadership.

The assessment will require the student to demonstrate their capacity to devise and carry-out an in-depth, independent inquiry in the area of educational leadership and management. It will reveal a critical grasp and detailed knowledge of the relevant specialist literature in the area, including salient concepts and theories. It will also provide evidence of the students’ capacity both to evaluate extant research and to reflect critically on the research process. In addition, it will require the student to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of methodological issues, including those relating to ethics. Throughout consideration will be given to the student’s ability to develop a sustained argument that is supported by systematically collected evidence and their understanding of the contribution of education research to the creation and application of professional knowledge. Finally, they will be assessed on their ability to communicate the research findings clearly and unambiguously.

General Notes

N/A