PE7046 - Research Project

What will I learn on this module?

The aim of this module is for you to undertake a substantial academic research project at Masters level, produce a dissertation based on this work and present your findings. Your project itself will comprise a major piece of independent and original research centred at the forefront of your programme discipline. This takes place within the wider sphere of Computer Science.

In order to develop the necessary research knowledge and capabilities to successful complete the study, the module will begin with a taught stage where you develop a solid understanding of research methodology and methods alongside wider project management and academic skills required to successfully complete a research project. You will then progress to the completion of your project which will require you to develop, consolidate, and apply your independent research, academic study, and research skills to the investigation of a topic of your own choice that is relevant to your programme of study. You will experience the full life cycle of a research project from initial conception, development of a research proposal, critical review of the literature, planning and design of the research study to the implementation of your research, analysis of the findings, evaluation, reflection and dissemination.

You will present your work in a written report and recorded oral presentation.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a mix of online learning resources housed within the module site, with additional online workshops, tutor guidance and feedback, and independent directed and self-directed learning. The on-line workshops will introduce you to research methodology theories and concepts and allow you to discuss with the tutors and your peers (via the discussion Virtual Learning Environment) your research ideas.

You will then move to the project stage where you will be allocated a supervisor who you will subsequently work with you on a one to one basis through to the completion of your study. These interactions will be undertaken virtually.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your learning is supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan, offering guidance on reading to prepare for initial workshops and help with the completion of the assessment. Within this plan there are also suggested learning activities, which guide you in your independent learning. These activities allow you to reflect and evaluate your knowledge and skills and in this area. Throughout, the emphasis will be on high levels of student participation, both individually and within small groups or teams via the discussion board.

Support will be provided to you by a member of academic staff leading the module and providing the interactive workshop input. The module tutor will support the online discussion board and may be contacted individually or by groups of students via the discussion board. This support is part of the module’s e-learning portal, which houses workshop materials, case studies and how-to multimedia & text files.

As your research project will require you to engage in a substantive amount of independent work, you will be allocated a research supervisor. The supervisor will provide formative feedback on the development and progress of your research project. Throughout your period of engagement, your supervisor will guide you through the process of formalizing, executing, preparing, and writing-up your research project during supervision sessions.

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: Apply in depth specialist technical and academic knowledge and critical understanding of research methodologies and project management in the context of an independent academic research project related to your programme of study and at the forefront of the computer science and digital technology field.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO2: Identify, plan and execute a substantial independent research project demonstrating originality, critical and innovative thinking and problem solving
• MLO3: Define, refine, and operationalize a researchable topic that is succinctly focused and critically justified in terms of its theoretical framework and research methodology and accurately reflects your programme of study.
• MLO4. Effectively communicate the outcomes of a significant individual research project in both written and oral forms.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: Critically evaluate and address professional, ethical, legal and social issues in an appropriate manner within an academic research environment

How will I be assessed?

An individual 10,000-word report. This will include the justification of a research proposal, critical review of the literature, planning and design of the research study to the implementation of your research, analysis of the findings, evaluation, and reflection. You will be expected to critique and analyse literature relating to the issue under investigation and produce a critically argued report that makes appropriate conclusions and recommendations. (80%)

A recorded oral presentation of your work which can also be used to demonstrate any practical products/applications/experiments that have formed part of the project. (20%)


This assesses MLO1-MLO5 inclusive.

Formative assessment will take place through the completion of an initial research proposal. You will be given formative feedback on this.

You will receive ongoing formative feedback as you progress through your research report.

Criteria will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected in the assignment and how you will be assessed on your performance.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

The Research Project constitutes the final part of your MSc programme. You will be expected to demonstrate a disciplined approach to the application of Computer Science research, skills and theory to a relevant problem. You will select a research project that has a clearly defined deliverable; this may take a number of forms from an identifiable product to a set of experimental or case study results. It will be developed using a professional and systematic research approach and methods that build on the skills and expertise you have gained during your studies.

Course info

Credits 60

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Distance Learning

Department Computer and Information Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start Upcoming Intakes: April 2024, July 2024

Fee Information

Module Information

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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