The aim of this module is for students to: Set out the main lines of a research enquiry, its divisions and possible resources.  Undertake independent research to identify and evaluate key reading and critical contexts for the proposed topic. The object at this stage is not to try to 'solve' or 'conclude' or 'cover' the proposed topic: a much more through going examination of the topic will be proper to the dissertation itself.

(LO1) By the end of this module, students will be able to: Demonstrate critical thinking and research skills in formulating an appropriate research question.

(LO2) Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of their subject area through critical evaluation of current scholarship.

(LO3) Develop strategies to explain and defend their proposed project through oral presentation.

(LO4) Demonstrate the ability to communicate in written form the feasibility of their proposed project for Dissertation.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Listening skills

(S4) Improving own learning/performance - Reflective practice

(S5) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Communicating for audience

(S6) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S7) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation

(S8) Information skills - Critical reading

(S9) Information skills - Evaluation

(S10) Skills in using technology - Using common applications (work processing, databases, spreadsheets etc.)

As this is a project, students direct their own subject-specific reading, but reading material will be made available for tutorial and/or seminar discussion on aspects of designing and planning a dissertation, such as how to find a research topic, formulating a research question, searching and reviewing existing scholarship, writing style and process, structuring the dissertation and editing.

Teaching Method 1 - Tutorial
Description: Students will be offered the opportunity to discuss their progress in designing their project in a series of fortnightly one-hour tutorials.
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: These will run as two-hourly seminars and where appropriate be consolidated over one or two days to enable students to run a mini-conference or research seminar in which to present their proposed project to their peers and tutors and receive feedback.
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided