Research Project

This stage allows the students to undertake a significant and independent research project. The dissertation is expected to address a clear research question, and analyse and synthesise findings from an inquiry in order to inform best practice. Students will also develop their critical appraisal skills and gain knowledge from a wide range of relevant literature. They will apply this to the design, execution, critique/reflection, and recommendation of the reporting of the project. This will enable students to demonstrate their ability to comprehend the inter-disciplinarity of the coursework . The project builds on the skills gained from previous modules and will further develop students’ skills in collecting and analysing data through planning and conducting an independent project that is relevant to their own field(s) of practice.

The Research Project recognises that students have existing knowledge and skills gained from previous modules and will build on this to develop further students’ skills of searching and charting published articles, extracting and analysing data, and planning and writing up an independent project that is relevant to their field(s) of practice or professional interest.

Hours of Total Learning for this module:

• Contact Hours: 80
• Self-Study Hours: 400
• Assessment Hours: 20
• Total Learning Hours: 500

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of research evidence’s implications
2. Evaluate and critically analyse a range of evidence-supporting practices and policies in the workplace.  
3. Evaluate the use of a range of research designs, data collection techniques and data analysis methods.
4. Evaluate and synthesise an area of research relating to policy and professional practice aspects.
5. Identify and extract the principles for successful implementation of planned change based on the best available evidence.
6. Describe the constraints and barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practice.

Each module will be assessed based on the following components:

1. Research report: 80%
   • The students need to submit the research project report in proper template as guided by the supervisors. The final project will focus on a systematic secondary research project, demonstrating the students’ understanding of selected core concepts and theories covered in the subject modules, and their potential implementation in a real world scenario. This will not involve data collection from actual participants and will include data from published articles in journals and books as well as official public documents. The word count limit of circa. 10000 – 15000 words will be applicable.
2. Video Presentation: 20%
   • Students will be asked to prepare a video presentation on their research work, which will be of  8 – 10 minutes duration.

Passing Criteria:

• Students must achieve an aggregate of 50% or higher across the two components to pass this module.