KA7032 - Dissertation (Real Estate)

Module learning is largely by tutored independent study underpinned by the Research Methods syllabus you will have studied on Module KA7035 . You will be allocated a dissertation supervisor who will guide you through the process of executing and writing-up your study, with whom you will be expected to communicate regularly to discuss and reflect upon progress, whilst maintaining a research process archive containing all correspondence and documentation associated with the process of conducting your research. Informal verbal and formal written formative feedback will be provided throughout by your supervisor.. You will be expected to take ownership of your own learning through a process of self-reflection of your own needs and, using the guidance provided, ensuring you master all the skills needed to successfully complete your research project. By applying what you have learnt and engaging in the process of research itself you will become more self-sufficient and gain key employability skills of time-management, retrieval and critical application of relevant knowledge and information, effective communication, problem solving and analysis, and make informed decisions.

Module guidance will be provided in a comprehensive Module Handbook complemented materials and information on academic writing, time management, reviewing literature, referencing etc. which is available through the University’s Skills Plus modules. Examples of previous submissions and additional learning materials will be available on the module’s Blackboard site You will also be supported by a digital reading list of generic reading covering research methods, data collection techniques and critical analysis.

Your learning journey will be guided by 1:1 face to face/Skype meetings, conference and telephone calls with your dissertation supervisor who will:
• guide you through the research process,
• advise you on ethical issues involved in carrying out your research;
• be available to provide advice and answer questions on assessment
• giveconstructive feedback on your literature review chapter to help you improve both content and academic writing
• provide summative feedback on the final dissertation submission.

A Research Process Archive will be used to record meetings with your supervisor and other formal and informal feedback and interaction with your research project

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.

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO 1 – You will explore published literature, information and data to inform your identification of a feasible and focussed research topic
formulating research questions/hypotheses on your chosen topic and relate these to existing subject knowledge and literature
MLO 2 – you will integrate and modify ideas, concepts and theoretical models form scholarly literature and critically appraise their applicability to your research topic
MLO 3 – You will develop an understanding of how to evaluate different methodological approaches to propose a clear and logical research design, data collection and analysis strategy appropriate to your research topic and its context

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO 4 – you will learn how to write a critical appraisal and detailed analysis of related and relevant scholarly literature that recognises academic authority
MLO 5 – you will design and implement a detailed programme of research, data collection and analysis that integrates research aims, data requirements and standardized methods of collection and analysis
MLO 6 – you will demonstrate that you can take into consideration theoretical, methodological, ethical and other constraints and limitations
MLO 7you will interpret and evaluate the findings of your research in relation to other published research on the topic
MLO8 – you will recognise the validity of your research findings and the limitations of conclusions drawn

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
MLO 9 – you will demonstrate the capacity for independent working, critical reflection and autonomous decision making, initiative and creativity in problem solving and effective problem management

You are required to submit an original 12,000word dissertation (a written record in an academically acceptable format of a completed research project) that is analytical and summative in nature, covering methodological issues related to the researchable subject topic, and demonstrating an accurate interpretation and clear presentation of original research findings.

Dissertation (100%) - the dissertation is the summative assessment for this module. You are expected to evaluate, appraise and critique ideas, concepts and theoretical models, and to identify any biases and assumptions inherent in these generic components of research, before developing focused analytical and evaluative skills that are based on a thorough and systematic approach to the handling and manipulation of primary and secondary data. You will then write up this original work that is analytical and summative in nature, covering methodological issues related to the researchable subject topic, and demonstrates an accurate interpretation and clear presentation of original research findings (MLO1 – MLO 9)

Formative assessment will be provided from the outset based on your original Research proposal previously submitted as part of the assessment of module and your developing dissertation. KA7035 Real Estate Concepts and Research Methods.

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