Independent Research
| Module title | Independent Research |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM107 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Professor Vicki Goodwin (Convenor) Dr Rebecca Abbott (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 16 |
|---|
Module description
This module is the piece of independent research associated with the Masters programme and is designed to enable students to produce a project report under supervision, and to demonstrate project design, development, evaluation, synthesis and dissemination skills.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the independent research module is to enable you to demonstrate your ability to design, conduct, evaluate and write up a project on a topic that is of relevance to the title and aim of their award and in doing so, to demonstrate self-direction, originality and an ability to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of project skills at an advanced professional level.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Systematically and critically review relevant theory and methodology in the design and development of an independent project
- 2. Systematically and critically review relevant theory and methodology in the design and development of an independent project
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise a projects findings and interpret their relevance within the context of established or emerging theories, policies and/or professional practice
- 4. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems in the conduct of a project that is methodologically and ethically sound
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Present a logically argued and clearly written project report that will aim to enhance knowledge and understanding of an area of practice at an advanced level
- 6. Critically evaluate and reflect upon their own strengths, limitations and performance with reference to the design, development, organisation and write up of the project
Syllabus plan
Students will work under the supervision of a member of staff who is able to guide the student through the independent research process. The written report will be in the form of a journal article, using the style of a particular journal that has been agreed with the supervisor. An oral presentation will also form part of the assessment of this module.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 560 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 40 | Supervision meetings (scheduled by arrangement between individual students and supervisors). |
| Guided independent study | 100 | Resource gathering and in-depth reading |
| Guided independent study | 260 | Project design and delivery |
| Guided independent study | 200 | Preparation and writing of written report and presentation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedback and discussion with supervisor | 40 hours | 2-4, 6 | Verbal and online |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 80 | 0 | 20 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pProject report following journal guidelines | 80 | Maximum 5,000 words (dependent on target journal guidance) | 1-5 | Written |
| Oral presentation | 20 | 10 minutes + 5 minutes questions | 1-5 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project report (80%) | Project report up to 5000 words | 1-5 | Typically within 12 weeks of the result |
| Oral presentation (20%) | Oral presentation (10 minutes + 5 minutes questions) | 1-5 | Typically within 12 weeks of the result |
Re-assessment notes
If it is impractical for the reassessed presentation to be given in person then a video-conferenced/Skype presentation or a video submission may be accepted at the assessor’s discretion.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Dixon N (2001) Writing for publication a guide for new authors. International Journal for Quality in Healthcare. 13;5:417-21
Day RA and Gastel B (2006) How to write and publish a scientific paper. Cambridge University Press
Lock D. (2007).The Essentials of Project Management (3rd edition). Aldershot, Gower Publishing
Rudestam, K. and Newton, R. (2007). Surviving your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process (3rd edition). London, Sage Publications.
Swetnam, D. (2005). How to Plan, Prepare and Present Successful Work (3rd edition). Trowbridge, Cromwell Press Ltd.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6035
Web based and electronic resources: Please see ELE above for up to date electronic resources.
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 31/01/2017 |
| Last revision date | 15/03/2017 |
