On completion of the thesis the student will:
• Recognise the need and value of high quality research as an essential requirement which leads to improved policy and practice.
• Have generated an interesting and relevant topic with coherent aims and objectives.
• Have conducted a search and critical review of the academic literature on the topic, and in particular to have reviewed the peer reviewed journal literature.
• Have developed and implemented an appropriate research methodology for the topic.
• Have analysed the results using relevant techniques (Quantitative and/or qualitative).
• Have developed conclusions which reflect on their research results and how it relates to the broader academic literature, to policy and to practice.

The project is a test of the student’s ability to generate an interesting and relevant question on a topic of substance and interest, to critically review relevant academic literature, develop a coherent research methodology and generate and analyse results. In short, it is a test of the student’s intellectual ability to work independently. The Capstone Project will allow students to develop specialist knowledge, building on the knowledge derived from core and option modules. The dissertation will give students an opportunity to develop a more in-depth understanding of their subject, to develop specialist knowledge and skills, to expand and hone research skills and to cultivate individual initiative and judgement.

Not applicable to this module.

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

Students will have regular meetings with their academic supervisor who will discuss ongoing progress and research.