EDUC3322: Dissertation: Disciplinary Contexts of Education

• EDUC2301 Educational Research Methods or equivalent methods module, relevant to the dissertation topic, from another department.

• To enable students to undertake an extended, independent piece of research (empirical or non-empirical) with an appropriate educational focus.
• To enable students to draw upon the knowledge and understanding developed through the Research Methods module in Year 2, and other relevant education modules, to apply skills, knowledge and understanding in an academically rigorous context.
• To provide students the opportunity to engage critically with research in relation to their chosen topic.

• Dissertation on a substantial topic in the field of Education, in a topic that is chosen and developed by the student in collaboration with their supervisor and subject to departmental approval.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• On completion the student will demonstrate that they:
• Have a clear understanding of their chosen topic, both their specific focus and the wider context of their chosen topic.
• Can critically engage with literature related to their chosen topic.
• Are able to clearly articulate the educational focus with their chosen topic.
• Have the ability to carry out research under supervision using an appropriate, ethical and justified research approach.
• Demonstrate appropriate understanding and application of research methodology and methods dependent upon the topic under investigation.
• Have a clear understanding of and are able to draw on and use relevant educational theory and terminology.
• Present their dissertation, applying the above, in a scholarly fashion.
• Apply ideas relating to the research of educational practice.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Plan and devise a programme of work applicable to investigating the issue or chosen problem.
• Survey and utilise literature relevant to the problem or issue and the programme of work.
• Interpret and critique relevant texts.
• Evaluate arguments and evidence.
• Present theoretical and empirical material in a scholarly and readable manner.

Key Skills:

• Clear and succinct expression in writing and discussion.
• Comprehension of complex ideas and theories.
• Use of reasoned evidence and argument to defend a case.
• Identification of appropriate sources of evidence and information.
• Clear and logical identification and solution of problems.
• Reflection on the experience of conducting an extended piece of research.

• Supervision, which monitors the development of the learning outcomes above, is appropriate to the writing of an independent study.

Two written formative opportunities; the first will be a 750-word research proposal and the second will be feedback on one chapter, as decided between student and supervisor. Supervision sessions will be offered to every student by their allocated supervisor where verbal feedback can be given on progress.

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