What will I learn on this module?
This final capstone project gives you the opportunity to apply a wide range of development skills (in specification, design and implementation) in the context of your programme of study which will culmimnate in the your development of a research informed business solution. The solution may be technical, entrepreneurial or may represent a policy or strategy or other organisational instrument appropriate to the business opportunity you have identified. If you prefer you can chose from a live brief provided by a client or agree an opportunity with your project supervisor from your own work or life.
You must demonstrate the ability 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 achieve this outcome by investigating an organisational or career related issue and making recommendations for change and improvement that has the potential for strategic improvement.
During the project you will be given exclusive access to the "Bridge Studio" - a specialised study space equipped with the resources required to wok effectively both independently and collaboratively.
Your learning will cover:
• Conducting research in organisations
• The identification of a researchable question.
• Primary research, data collection, questionnaire design, etc.
• Secondary research, literature review, further sources of information.
• The analysis of findings
• Writing recommendations and action plan
• Report writing
• Presentation technique
• Reflection on learning process
• Career Planning
You will also develop a career plan to prepare you for taking your learning from The Bridge and moving into higher level skilled employment.
How will I learn on this module?
At The Bridge you learn through a blended approach where short, focused and interactive face-to-face sessions are underpinned by guided and independent online learning. Your attendance for scheduled activities is monitored regardless of whether you are on campus or joining the session remotely. This ensures you access all of the learning opportunities which have been purposefully designed for your success.
A range of teaching and learning approaches are adopted to accelerate your learning in this module.
This includes:
• Taught Sessions
• One to one and small group Tutorial
• Studio Based Learning
During the first week of this module, you will receive information about the module and Teaching & Learning Plan. The teaching and learning plan (TLP) sets out
• Learning outcomes and overall module and programme aims
• Teaching, learning and assessment strategy
• Teaching schedule
• Directed reading references (text and journals) and core texts for the module
• References to data sources and details of lab activities
You will also receive the assessment brief which sets out the formative and summative assessments throughout the module.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
There are three key sources of academic support available to you during your time at the Bridge in addition to Ask4Help who are available 24/7 for general queries related to your studies.
Your Module Tutor
Your module tutor is responsible for your learning outcomes on the module. They deliver the workshops and provide guidance in relation to learning and assignments. They develop all of the key resources and make them available through the eLP (electronic learning portal module) Blackboard, which is used to provide support materials, interactive learning tasks and give you regular opportunities to test and get feedback on your learning. You will be given both written and verbal feedback and guidance on your work and progress during the semester by your module tutor.
Your Learning Mentor
On programme, you will have your in-person and online engagement activity tracked against the learning plan with key check-in points built into the academic calendar to ensure you maximise your learning potential. Engagement with formative assessments will also be used by the learning mentor to discuss any action planning required to ensure success.
Academic Skills Team
The Bridge aspires to build a range of student skillsets, including digital skills, academic writing and discourse, working alone and in teams. Your learning mentor may refer you a dedicated academic skills team which is based in the centre. Here you can attend drop-ins or schedule 1-1 sessions on issues which have been identified at the diagnostic stages of the programme however you may also have self-identified areas for your own growth and self-refer yourself for support.
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. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1: Critically apply contemporary knowledge of theory, research and professional practice relevant to your degree subject areas, by undertaking a professional piece of work under real life conditions.
MLO2: Apply and critically evaluate appropriate concepts, theories and models to address the business opportunity, providing appropriate and practical solutions.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3: Apply and critically assess key employability capabilities, including communication and team working.
MLO4: Critically reflect and asses your personal role and development when working with key stakeholders
MLO5: Critique your personal development in the context of transferring your experiences into a future professional or academic setting
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO6: Critically assess individual contributions to project work set in a commercial or entrepreneurial environment.
MLO7: Develop and critically evaluate your ethical awareness, understanding and application in the context of working with an organisation and implementing appropriate research and consulting practices.
How will I be assessed?
You will receive formative feedback throughout the module from your project supervisor. You are expected to attend all supervision sessions and keep a record of the conversations you have and the actions. You will then be given feedback on your progress throughout your journey.
The capstone project is assessed by the completion of a 8,000 word report plus Solution Artefact that you have designed which may be a policy document, a technical solution, a project plan, a business case etc. (70%)
You will also complete a Career Plan and CV (2000 words). (15%)
As this is the capstone project you will then be required to defend the contents of your dissertation in a 30 minute viva where an independent member of the teaching team will ask you questions about your project to ensure you have met all of the learning outcomes. (15%)
Module abstract
Working in a studio environment with a tutor and mentor, this module functions as a “capstone” project in your degree studies. As such this year-long module gives you the opportunity to work independently to research, design and build a significant applied solution directly related to your specialist programme of study to demonstrate the application of the skills and knowledge accumulated on the degree.
This develops and demonstrates your skills in project management, planning, communication (both written and oral) as well as technical skills in applying theoretical frameworks.
You will also create a futire focused Career Plan and CV with the support of our careers team.
