What will I learn on this module?
On this module you will have the opportunity to independently conceptualise, plan and undertake a research study that contributes to knowledge and understanding in your field of practice. You will critically evaluate current theories and evidence in order to generate your own research question. You will engage with the relevant ethical guidelines to design a feasible project plan. You will develop your skills as an independent researcher and research leader during this module as well as identifying points of collaboration with supervisors, research staff and other potential stakeholders. You will have the opportunity to communicate your research plans in both written and oral form and then use a variety of relevant skills, techniques and research methods in order to implement your study. Finally you will have the opportunity to disseminate your findings in written form.
How will I learn on this module?
You will engage in an independent research study related to your field of practice. The module offers a variety of strategies to assist your learning and support you to undertake your research study. This includes a range of e-lectures, practical workshops and regular meetings with a named supervisor. These learning opportunities provide you with support and guidance to develop skills and techniques in research processes and research leadership, as well as information relating to ethical issues and processes.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be allocated a supervisor early in year 1 of the programme. Scheduled workshops and regular supervision meetings with your allocated supervisor will be provided to support the MRes dissertation process and to help you to explore a range of potential employment pathways, PhD opportunities and further study options. You will also receive information about the dissertation process via email and resources including assessment information will be available via the eLP. Additional study support is available from Ask 4 Help (on-line or face to face staff support), and library and study skills resources can be accessed within the library and via the library homepage.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
NB 7 MLOs as this is a 90 credit module
Knowledge & Understanding:
1: Critically evaluate knowledge, theory and evidence relevant to your field of practice, and understand the ways in which this can be applied to solutions in real world contexts.
2: Analyse and interpret the outcomes of your study, giving due regard to issues of reliability, validity, rigour, trustworthiness and reflexivity.
Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:
1: Conceptualise a research study and establish its relevance to your practice area/field of expertise.
2:?Demonstrate ability to utilise methodological principles in the production of empirical study.
3: Critically explore the influence of Experts by Experience (lay people) within the research process.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
1: Contribute to knowledge development and research culture through dissemination and reporting of the research findings.
2: Demonstrate effective project and people leadership skills within the research process.
How will I be assessed?
Formative Assessment
Interim peer-reviewed presentations of students’ work to-date (to take place half way through the academic year).
(MLOs K&U 1,2 IPDA 1,2,3, PVA 1,2)
Summative Assessment
Your assessment will be a 15,000 dissertation that relates to your empirical research study.
Individual feedback will be provided in written form.
(MLOs K&U 1,2 IPDA 1,2,3, PVA 1,2)
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to independently lead and undertake a research study relevant to your field of practice with the support and guidance of a supervisor. Students will have the chance to work in a research rich environment conceptualising, planning, implementing and disseminating a research study of their own. Students will have access to a range of digital technology and software to support data collection and data anlaysis. Students will be able to identify and develop the required research skills to become more experienced, competent researchers able to communicate their research both in written and oral form. The dissertation represents the capstone of the degree, and will enhance employability and opportunities to undertake doctoral study and/or further research through gaining diverse skills including project and time management, planning, working with others, and communication skills.
Course info
Credits 90
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Part Time
Department Nursing, Midwifery & Health
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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