Module leader: Gill Frigerio

Aims

The Dissertation modules enable participants to develop knowledge and understanding of a specialist area within the broad fields of career development, career coaching, coaching and work-related learning. The modules are taught principally via individual supervision and an online dissertation guide, You may also need access to materials in the CE956 'Research in Professional Practice' (formerly Research Project) module virtual learning space.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the module the student should be able to:

• Describe a relevant area of career development, career coaching, coaching or work-related learning studies.
• Identify research methods.
• State research questions.
• Identify literature for review.
• Critically analyse and evaluate the knowledge and understanding in relation to the agreed area of study.
• Integrate theory and practice.
• Develop responses on the basis of the evaluation and analysis undertake.
• Apply knowledge and understanding in relation to the agreed area of study.
• Communicate in written form by integrating, analysing and applying key texts and practices.
• Demonstrate advanced critical research skills in relation to career development or work-related learning studies.

Outline Syllabus

• Articulation of participants’ prior experience of research.
• Literature review.
• Research questions.
• Methodology.
• Ethics, theoretical perspectives and values.
• Use of the above to develop a research proposal and complete a dissertation.

Summary of teaching

Blend of structured online learning, workshops and supervision. Students work independently to complete a research proposal for ethical approval and once approved, plan and carry out their research. A supervisor is allocated to support the process through one to one discussions to be arranged. The supervisor seeks ethical approval for the proposal through CLL procedures and is available for supervision discussions throughout the project. Supervision can be conducted in groups with some additional workshop support also available.

Module timing and duration
Usually, this module runs all year round. Full-time students must complete Dissertation A or Dissertation B within the 12 month course. Part-time students are allowed up to 12 months to complete Dissertation A and 24 months to complete Dissertation B.
 
Summative assessment
CE941 Dissertation A (60 credits) consists of a 15,000 word dissertation (100%).

CE942 Dissertation B (100 credits) consists of a more in-depth 25,000 word dissertation (100%).

Typically, the dissertation is focused on a topic of your choice and includes an initial literature review, research questions, methodology and findings.