What will I learn on this module?
The dissertation module aims to enable you to develop intellectual and practical skills for undertaking an individual student-led, ethical investigation into a HR focussed business problem or issue. Using appropriate research methodologies and data collection methods, you will critically synthesise a body of Human Resource Management knowledge, relevant to the programme, with an organisational issue that you have identified. You will then provide recommendations for improvement change based on your analysis. By the end of the module, you will have written a 15000 word Masters dissertation. The areas included are:
• Justification for the choice of topic
• Appropriate understanding, awareness and critical analysis of existing and up to date literature evidenced by a comprehensive and well-referenced literature review with an extensive reference list
• Selection, justification and application of an appropriately rigorous methodology - including limitations of the approach selected
• Clear statement of the findings of the research
• Critical analysis of the findings
• Explicit links between the analysis and the conclusions supported by critical argument
• Evidence of original work or thought for example in the form or context of the data collected, analytical process or application of findings
How will I learn on this module?
You will be supported by your supervisor in addition to the module tutor.
A comprehensive eLP site will store all the appropriate materials needed to support the development of your dissertation work. There is an electronic reading list indicating which texts, academic reports, conference papers and journal articles should be consulted as the module progresses.
You will be supplied with formative feedback on your performance by your supervisor, who will help you develop your dissertation work. You may also receive formative feedback from other relevant staff. It should be noted that your supervisor will provide formative feedback on one full chapter of your dissertation and also give feedback on other chapter outlines, but your supervisor will not read full draft of the dissertation.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported by your supervisor in addition to the module tutor.
A comprehensive eLP site will store all the appropriate materials needed to support the development of your dissertation work. There is an electronic reading list indicating which texts, academic reports, conference papers and journal articles should be consulted as the module progresses.
You will be supplied with formative feedback on your performance by your supervisor, who will help you develop your dissertation work. You may also receive formative feedback from other relevant staff. It should be noted that your supervisor will provide formative feedback on one full chapter of your dissertation and also give feedback on other chapter outlines, but your supervisor will not read full drafts of the dissertation.
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?
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of innovative and contemporary research on the business and management community [MLO1]
2. Acquire, interpret and apply specialist functional or generalist business knowledge in relation to your programme of study (specialist programmes only) [MLO2]
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Plan and complete a major research project on a contemporary business, financial, management or leadership topic and organise the findings into a comprehensive and explicit structure that is critically assessed and is linked to the conclusions drawn [MLO3]
4. Demonstrate skills of analysis and synthesis in the selection and application of appropriate research methodology and method(s) to your chosen research topic [MLO4]
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. Critically reflect on the processes involved in the research, including reflection upon your own ethical values and the contribution of the research to the topic area [MLO5]
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment will take place through group work, assignment discussion and reflection, case study activity, and theory/practice related discussions. Criteria will be provided to enable participants to understand what is expected of them and how they will be assessed on their performance.
The module assessment comprises: a summative assessment is by Dissertation (100% of the total marks, 15000 words). [MLOs 1-5]
Full and detailed handbook of guidance will be given on this assessment. The eLP will be used to permanently host this detailed guidance, also a copy of the marking
criteria, to ensure that students can access it throughout the dissertation process. Feedback is provided via a specific marking rubric for both components.
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
You will design a research project, assessed through the prerequisite 20-credit module HR9786 Research Methods for HRM, a proposal, and will then work under the supervision of a member of academic staff who will give you appropriate guidance and support throughout the dissertation process whilst encouraging learner autonomy: this is your dissertation, and you will have responsibility for decision making as the dissertation proceeds.
On completion of this module, you will be able to conduct research and organise the findings into a comprehensive and explicit structure that is critically assessed and is linked to the conclusions drawn. You will demonstrate this by identifying a topic, critically selecting and applying an appropriate research methodology and data collection method(s), demonstrating a rigorous understanding of the relevant theory and literature and showing how these link to the research method(s). You will also critically reflect on how your research contributes to the understanding of the topic area.
Course info
Credits 60
Level of Study Postgraduate
Mode of Study 1 year Full Time
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025 or January 2026
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
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.
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