- 400 hours study for a 40 credit module
- 6000 - 9000 word written element, and related practical work
- Minimum 2.5 hours support on the written element of the module, in addition to support with the practical project.
- Try to have a substantial draft submitted by Christmas
- Cohesive research project, with practical and textual outcomes
- In-depth critical research
- A coherent written argument and related practical investigation
- Analysis and Evaluation
- The work undertaken will reveal the students appreciation and application of research approaches and methodologies
- A logical and systematic to approaching the question
Planning the project
- Write down all question that you want to investigate
- Choose two - consider each on their merits and focus on two (primary and secondary)
- Write an A4 'first thoughts' sheet for each question
- What is the purpose of the study? Is your question researchable?
- Working title
Project Outline
- Consider timing
- Consider holidays/work/life
- Think about your working title and different component parts that need researching.
- Allocate timing to each
- Draw up a project outline based on the above
- Allow generous time for initial reading and writing up
- Factor in tutorials
- Consult with your supervisor about this
Literature Search
- Reading takes more time than you think
- How much can you actually read in 100 hours?
- Start by trying to find out all the key texts on your chosen topic
- Focus your reading based on an initial assessment of this survey
- Find key texts and plan time to read these
- Find secondary sources/criticisms of key texts (triangulation)
- Use journals (www.jstor.org)
Referencing
- Start compiling a bibliography at the beginning of the project
- Reference as you go along
- Include all details (name, forename, date, place, publisher, page)
Ethics
- If a students cop3 research involves human subjects and/or data not in the public roman then ethical approval must be granted by their supervisor/programme leader.
- If the researcher is interviewing or observing participants then that counts as involving human subjects. Interviewing means that you are recording the persons words, by writing, tape or any other means, and using them in your work.
- Data not in the public roman means data which are still in copyright
