Dissertation (60 credits)
Introduction
The Dissertation (Level 7) is typically taken as the final module for a variety of health-related courses from across the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences. The module provides students with the opportunity to lead extended research into their chosen area of interest with guidance from a named supervisor. There will be opportunities to develop practical skills in research culminating in a critical work of substantial length and sustained inquiry.
Who the course is aimed at
The module is aimed at health professionals undertaking MSc courses from a variety of fields including Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiotherapy and Healthcare Education. Through this module, students can gain the necessary experience to lead future research with confidence and generate publishable new knowledge within their fields of practice.
Benefits of taking the module to the individual, the organisation and the patient
For the individual, this module further develops learner autonomy and enables the individual to demonstrate their knowledge of research methods and their application. It provides an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of their profession, the service provided and the existing evidence base in their chosen project field. It may also provide a basis for further academic development i.e. progression onto a PhD/Professional Doctorate.
For the organisation, it provides support to an individual practitioner to conduct a piece of research/service evaluation or development which addresses organisational priorities.
For the patient, individuals are encouraged to conduct a project that has clear value in terms of improving clinical outcomes/patient experience.
What you learn – overall aims of the module
Students will have an opportunity to develop a relevant research question into an ethical, robust project proposal. Once approved (in accordance with our Faculty Research Ethics Committee protocols), the student will progress the project into a final written submission. Generating a project from conception to completion can be a highly rewarding venture and student will have opportunities to develop skills in research leadership, decision making, ethical practice, data analysis, and critical writing along the way. Throughout, students will have access to a named academic supervisor who will provide timely support and advice.
General areas covered – indicative content
The dissertation is a practical module enabling students to choose a project (appropriate to their course) and develop this into a final dissertation submission. Support and guidance is provided through a detailed Blackboard website and a named supervisor.
To study this distance learning module you will require access to a computer with
- a reliable internet connection
- Microsoft or Apple Mac Supported Office Software
- the current version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
Additional Assessment Information:
Students are asked to submit a proposal which must be approved prior to pursuing their project. Completed projects are submitted as a 9,000 word thesis PLUS a viva voce.
Students will be given information about the module and its requirements from their subject module leader and then support/guidance throughout their project from their allocated academic supervisor.
Fees and Funding for 2023/24
| Indicative price for stand-alone module |
Home student: £3,305 EU / International students: £3,305 - this is part-time study and therefore cannot provide sponsorship for Tier 4. |
|---|---|
| How to apply |
To apply for a self-funded place, please complete and return the application form below: To apply for a Workforce Development / Workforce Transformation funding WDF/WTF funded place, please complete and return the relevant application form below: Further information and Workforce Development Funding / CPD Funding online application form |
-
Entry requirements
• Relevant professional qualification
• Relevant work experience
• Relevant workplace opportunities and organisational support
• Must have completed the PGD requirements of the course you are on, or if you are looking to import previous PGD credits into the course, these must satisfy the aims and learning outcomes for the PGD stage of that course.
(The above must be evidenced in the applicants application form)
International students must have reliable internet access and supply IELTS scores. -
Attendance
Delivery Method:
This module is delivered via distance learning
View our statement on notional study hours »
Provisional timetable
This module has planned intakes as follows:
September 2023: Start 21/09/23 End TBA
January 2024: Start 18/01/23 End 12/12/24
May 2024: Start 17/05/24 End 17/4/25
The module is distance-learning. Supervisor input is student-directed as and when needed.
-
Assessment
The assessment task(s) for this module are:
- Thesis
- Viva: typically, a combination of a presentation/demonstration to one or more academics, with discussion, questioning and oral feedback
Successful completion of this module will earn you 60 level 7 credits
Further details
For further information please contact the module leader Catriona Hynes - c.hynes@shu.ac.uk or contact the student experience team:
Related course(s)
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Musculoskeletal Management
- MSc Specialist Physiotherapy Practice
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Radiotherapy and Oncology
- MSc Enhanced Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice
- MSc Prostate Cancer Care
- MSc Radiotherapy Planning Practice
- MSc Vocational Rehabilitation
- MRes Health and Wellbeing
- MSc Advancing Professional Practice
- MSc Health and Social Care Education
- MSc Health and Social Care Leadership
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Image Interpretation
- MSc Enhanced Diagnostic Imaging Practice
- MSc Supportive, Palliative and End of Life Care