module specification

This module aims to:
-To integrate the skills and knowledge-base underpinning the core modules on the Woman and Child Abuse programme and focus these on a specific question.
- To apply appropriate skills of analysis and knowledge of methodologies.
- To test the student’s ability to plan, organise and write a lengthy prose work.
- To promote critical reflection on the process of developing and executing a sustained piece of work.

The student, in consultation with their supervisor, will formulate a programme of study. This will take account of whether the student is full time or part time, their personal circumstances and the nature of the project they intend to undertake. Students are required to:

- submit a Formal Proposal Form
- have at least four meetings with their supervisor to review progress, plan future work and set an agenda for future meeting(s)
- submit the completed dissertation by the relevant deadline and in accordance with the formal dissertation requirements (see below). LO2,LO3

Any research undertaken for the dissertation that involves human subjects as participants will require approval from the dissertation supervisor and the Module Leader before the commencement of data collection. LO1,LO2,LO3,LO4

During the early stages of the dissertation, seminars and workshops will be held to familiarise students with the aims and methodology of the dissertation.  In addition, specialist sessions will be held with library staff and dissertations from previous years will be made available. 
Following the allocation of the dissertation supervisor, there will be formal personal dissertation supervision sessions.
This triple module programme requires a high degree of responsibility and autonomy on the part of the student in the planning and execution of a sustained piece of work.  Students will receive a dissertation booklet early in the programme and will be required to complete a proposal form. Once the students have completed their proposal form, they will receive written feedback. Following this an early tutorial is arranged to agree the supervision and work schedule. Student and supervisor will meet at intervals on at least four further occasions, and should keep a log of meetings, in which objectives for the forthcoming weeks are agreed and used for review at subsequent meetings.

On completion of this triple module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to conduct a substantive piece of research within the students chosen field of study;
2. Select and justify chosen methodologies;
3. Conduct and write up a literature search;
4. Demonstrate appropriate analytic and writing ;
5. Make a contribution to the chosen field of study.

The module will be assessed via the dissertation which should be between 12,000 and 15,000 words excluding references and appendices.  Marking will take account of:

• literature review
• clarity of objectives
• analytical argument
• organisation and presentation of materials
• research design skills (as appropriate)
• evaluation of the research process
• conclusions

Core readings:
Bell, J. (2005) Doing Your Research Project: A guide for first-time researches in education, health and social science (Fourth Edition). Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Denscombe, M. (2003) The Good Research Guide for small-scale social research projects (Second Edition) Milton Keynes: Open University Press.

Additional readings:
Fabb, N. and Durant, A. (2005) How to Write Essays, Coursework Projects and Dissertations in Literary Studies (Second Edition) Harlow: Longman.
Fowler, F.J. (2001) Survey Research Methods (Third Edition) London: Sage.
Hobbs, D. and May, T. (1994) Interpreting the Field: Accounts of Ethnography Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Howard K., Sharp, J.A. and Peters, J. (2002) The Management of a Student Research Project (Third Edition) Aldershot: Gower.
Northedge, A. (2005) The Good Study Guide (Second Edition) Milton Keynes: Open University Worldwide.
Rudestam, K.E. and Newton, R.R. (2000) Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process (Second Edition) London: Sage.
Swetnam, D. (2000) How to Write Your Dissertation (Third Edition) Oxford: How to Books.