Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

This module cannot be taken in conjunction with another dissertation module.

Aims

To provide an opportunity for students undertaking Combined Honours to undertake in-depth, independent project into one, or a combination of their subjects of study. Some subjects offer dissertation modules focusing on their subject but some do not; and even those that do, do not offer the flexibility to undertake an interdisciplinary or creative project.

This module will give students the opportunity to undertake a major project and to foster autonomy, choice and responsibility in their subjects. At the same time they will receive appropriate support and guidance to enable their success. The focus of this module is very much on the process of learning and of developing academic and professional skills through a project which is embedded within their prior and continuing study in the academic subjects of their degree.

Outline Of Syllabus

i) No previous knowledge of research is required.
ii) Small group and online briefings will be used to introduce and develop appropriate research approaches and methods, the process tools and skills which will enable students to be successful, and the consideration of module assessment.
iii) Given the likely diversity of the range of topics and individual student approaches to the projects these sessions will be tailored to address specific requirements, and the supervisory support will also address this.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. To explore in depth a topic from, or related to, subjects of study, drawing on relevant concepts and theories and demonstrating understanding of these.
2. To apply rigorous research approaches to investigating a research question / topic and use an appropriate framework to do so.
3. To structure a discussion in a coherent and convincing fashion by synthesising the material gathered in the context of the research, summarizing the key arguments, drawing valid conclusions, and relate to the research topic.
4. To offer a fresh perspective in at least one aspect of the project.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Develop and demonstrate the cognitive skills of critical thinking, data synthesis and information literacy.
2. Develop and demonstrate the self-management skills of working independently, planning and organising, adaptability, decision making and problem solving.
3. Demonstrate critical reflection of the process of undertaking a project and the impact on their own
learning.
4. Develop and apply understanding of ethical considerations in research planning.
5. Develop and demonstrate the ability to effectively share research outcomes with an relevant audience.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Briefings provide advice on the approaches/techniques required to undertake your projects. Tutorials in the form of supervisory sessions are to ascertain progress, provide formative feedback and feed forward, and facilitate problem solving and supported independent learning. There will be one supervisor per student.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The student will identify their own research question and scope the project, and produce a research proposal in Semester 1 (on which they receive rich feedback). In Semester 2 students complete the project and produce an output which can vary in format; this is assessed in a double marking process. Students will then reflect formally on their project and their learning; this will take the form of an assessed reflection. NB: This module is designed to operate in consultation and partnership with the students and this process will co-determine details of the assessments such as weighting, deadlines, format and criteria.

General Notes

N/A