PP7011 - Childhood and Early Years Studies Dissertation Project

What will I learn on this module?

Building on the Research Methods Approaches and Skills Module this module will increase your understanding and skills. This module will build on your knowledge, understanding and application of key ideas, perspectives and activities in social research relevant to Childhood and Early Years. You will develop further knowledge and understanding about what and how things can be ‘known’ (epistemology), ways of seeing the world (paradigms), approaches and traditions in research (methodology), collecting or generating data (methods) and analysing or interpreting findings (analysis). You will develop a critical understanding of how to relate each of these elements to enable you to carry out independent research and write your dissertation project. You will also learn about research ethics and protocols.

Indeed, the focus of this module is a small-scale independent research project which students undertake with the support of an experienced academic research supervisor. You will be supported to develop an appropriate project which may be based on empirical data (quantitative or qualitative or mixed methods), work-based reflections, evaluations, case study or literature based. Peer support is also encouraged through student led seminars.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through workshops and independent learning alongside personal supervision from a member of the academic team. An electronic reading list will be provided to support your learning about conducting research. You will be expected to develop as an independent learner and use the library and other databases to search for appropriate literature relating to your chosen topic/research question. During a series of workshops, you will discuss with peers and tutors, theoretical frameworks, research design and methods. A series of guided tasks and exercises will support the writing of your dissertation project. You will also take part in practical activities that will help you acquire the research skills necessary to become an independent researcher.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will include feedback from tutors during workshops and tutorials. You will have regular meetings with your supervisor who will provide advice and guidance in incremental steps to support your thinking, writing and completion of your project. In addition, tutors will respond to questions via the modules’ discussion board on the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. You will have a critical understanding of the breadth and complexity of research methods involved in Childhood and Early Years research.

MLO2. You will conceptualise a research topic and establish its relevance to the field of Childhood and Early Years Studies.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3. You will produce a research protocol explaining and justifying the research question and design.

MLO4. You will demonstrate enhanced critical research and analytical skills.

MLO5 You will demonstrate skills in project management and completion

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO6 You will demonstrate integrity and an appreciation of ethical and philosophical issues in relation to your research project.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment:
You will verbally present (10 mins) your research design during a workshop to your peers and tutors. The presentation must include your research questions, context, methodology, and ethical issues. Your approach to analysis of data and conceptualisation should also be identified.

Feedback
You will receive verbal feedback from your tutor and peers.

Summative Assessment:
You will produce a final project report which presents the project in an appropriate academic style supported by the current literature base and accurately referenced. (12,500 words) This will demonstrate all MLOs.
Feedback
You will receive written feedback from tutors against the specific assessment criteria.

Pre-requisite(s)

Research Methods Approaches and Skills

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

N/A

Course info

Credits 60

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

School Communities and Education

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

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Module Information

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If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

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The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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