Postgraduate Module Descriptor

ERPM004: Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The aim of the Dissertation module is to provide you with an opportunity to: engage in practical research work; design a project that is meaningful in relation to your own research interests; and further hone your research skills with the aid of a skilled supervisor.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.
On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. demonstrate a deep understanding of your chosen area of investigation based on a wide reading of relevant literature in the area;
2. develop a research plan based on that reading;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. critically reflect on your own research in order to evaluate it;
4. design and/or carry out an independent investigation - analyse and disseminate results;
Personal and Key Skills5. work independently and collaboratively;
6. problem solve - to think logically, laterally, strategically, analyzing and evaluating;
7. select, organise, critically analyse and synthesise material;
8. communicate and present ideas when writing and speaking and to listen effectively and persuade rationally;
9. demonstrate skills in self-management - in particular the management of time, tasks and evaluation of own learning;
10. handle date effectively; and
11. use ICT effectively - the use of electronic data bases in the library, email, word processing, the internet.

Indicative Reading List

This reading list is indicative - i.e. it provides an idea of texts that may be useful to you on this module, but it is not considered to be a confirmed or compulsory reading list for this module.

Basic reading:

  • Bell, J. (2014) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers (6th edition). Berkshire: Open University Press
  • Cohen, L., Manion, L. and Morrison, K. (2013) Research Methods in Education, 7th Edition. London: Methuen
  • David, M. and Sutton, C. (2011) Social Research: An Introduction. London: Sage.
  • Gilbert, N. (2011) From Postgraduate to Social Scientist: A Guide to Key Skills. London: Sage.
  • Gitlin, A. (Ed.) (2014) Power and Method: Political Activism and Educational Research. Abingdon: Routledge.
  • Gray, D.E. (2011) Doing Research in the Real World. London: Sage.
  • Hancock, D.R & Algozzine, B. (2017) Doing Case Study Research: A Practical Guide for Beginning Researchers 3rd edition. New York: Teachers College Press.
  • Hartas, D. (Ed) (2015) Educational Research and Inquiry: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. New York: Continuum International Publishing
  • Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R & Nixon, R (2014) The Action Research Planner: Doing Critical Participatory Action Research. London: Springer
  • Menter, I., Elliot, D. Hulme, M., Lewin, J. and Lowden, K. (2011) A Guide to Practitioner Research in Education. London: Sage.
  • Wellington, J. (2015) Educational Research: Contemporary Issues and Practical Approaches. 2nd Edition. London: Bloomsbury.