This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module will serve to provide students with an overview of the scope and expectations of a Research project at MSc-level. It will examine the ethical challenges of doing empirical research in the 21st century, and prepare students for carrying out an independent piece of research within a given timeframe. If the research project requires ethical research approval, an application will be submitted to the School research ethics committee.
Total contact hours: 18
Private study hours: 32
Total study hours: 50
Main assessment methods:
This module is assessed on a pass/fail basis, and comprises:
Proposal (800-1000 words) 100%
Reassessment methods:
100% coursework
Biggam, J (2011), Succeeding with your master's dissertation, Open University Press
Flick, U., (2020), Introducing Research Methodology: Thinking Your Way Through Your Research Project. Sage.
Kara, H., (2018), Research ethics in the real world: Euro-Western and Indigenous perspectives. Policy Press.
Walliman, N., (2019), Your Research Project: Designing, Planning, and Getting Started. SAGE.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Develop original ideas on complex topics into focussed research questions that relate to an identified academic literature, aligned to an appropriate research design;
- Be able to critically reflect on the ethical issues raised by social research, and to autonomously develop research designs that are both ethical in a broader, critical sense and which (more narrowly) meet the requirements of research ethics governance;
- Critically engage with the methodological choices made in published research studies based on a systematic understanding of appropriate research techniques.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Manage their time, prioritise workloads and manage stress as well taking responsibility for their learning and professional development;
- Solve complex problems that are common in social research;
- Understand and appropriately respond to feedback.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
