Credit Points: 15
Study Time: 150 Hours

This unit acts as a focus and delineation of your practice in preparation for the Level 6 Investigative Study and Extended Major Project and aims to develop your research, critical and analytical skills. Guidance from your Unit Tutor will help you settle on a topic and it should be used to inform and develop your specific line of critical enquiry and underpin your practice.

Outline syllabus
Research methodology Exploration of potential research themes Advanced online database research Literature review: a critical, analytical synopsis of your research Development of critical argument Bibliography (following AUCB academic conventions)

Method of delivery
Lectures; seminars; library research skills tuition; individual and group tutorials.

Aims

A1 To identify links between your specialist practice and the relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks.
A2 To establish a sound understanding of the various approaches, processes and methods of research and critical appraisal.
A3 To develop the organisational skills that will enable independent learning and self- management.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Demonstrate your ability to make links between your specialist practice and relevant theoretical/conceptual frameworks.
LO2 Demonstrate a sound understanding of the various approaches, processes and methods of research and critical appraisal.
LO3 Demonstrate the application of organisational skills and evidence of independent learning and self-management.

Reference material

Key
Bell, J. (1999) Doing your research project. (3rd ed.). Buckingham: Open University Press. 
Gash, S. (1999) Effective literature searching for research. (2nd ed.). Aldershot: Gower Press. 
Hart, C. (2001) Doing a literature search. London: Sage.

Recommended
Glatthorn, A. (1998) Writing the winning dissertation. Thousand Oaks, Ca: Corwin Press.
Rudestam, K. (2000) Surviving your dissertation. London: Sage.
Swetnam,D. (1997) Writing your dissertation – how to plan, prepare, and present your work successfully. (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
William, N. (2001) Your research project. London: Sage.

Additional guidance on primary and secondary sources and other appropriate material will be provided by your tutor and Subject Librarian.