KV7014 - MSc Capstone Project

This module has intensive delivery of preparatory content to equip students to undertake their individual research projects. This is delivered in-person, early in the semester, during which students select their chosen project option and draft a project approval document. You will work with your project supervisor to agree the appropriate methods/approach and then conduct independent research which is submitted in the form of a research paper suitable for an appropriate venue in your disciplinary area. Regular group supervisory meetings will occur during the semester to provide guidance and support. You will be expected to research manage, conduct empirical research, and troubleshoot your project independently drawing on the skills and foundational knowledge your programme has provided. After submission you will be required to attend a viva and present your work to your supervisory team as part of the marking process.

You will be provided with intensive delivery of content, and workshop sessions early in the semester to provide you with a grounding in research methods, research management, ethics, and academic practice. You will engage in regular meetings with your supervisor to report on progress, and access subject expertise to support you to plan, carry out data collection, and analyse your data. Group supervision will allow you to offer, and receive peer support during the process, and provides opportunities to discuss your ideas with others

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)

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Demonstrate relevant domain knowledge to identify, scope and present a research project with appropriate awareness of contemporary issues in CS.
• MLO2: Conduct an independent research project which demonstrates background desk research, and subsequent selection and justification of appropriate research methods and analysis for the problem identified.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: Demonstrate the ability to analyse complex problems and to compare, contrast and justify suitable theories and methods for their solution, and identify any associated user-centred, professional and ethical issues.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO4: Within an independent research context, demonstrate scholarly and practitioner attributes, including ethical awareness, initiative, personal responsibility, the management of time and resources, and clarity of communication.

Assessment will be one summative assessment of an 8000 word research report, presented in a research paper format, with an associated viva.

Both the early lectures and supervisory meetings will provide formative feedback throughout the module.
Both the early lectures and supervisory meetings will provide formative feedback throughout the module.

Programme (Level) Learning Outcomes that this module contributes to:
[Please insert PLO number as listed on the programme specification]

This Level 7 Module addresses the following PLOs as listed in the relevant programme specifications:

K&U 4
IPSA 1, 2, 3
PVA 1, 4

N/A

N/A

This module is the major final project of your Master’s degree programme, where you will draw upon the skills and knowledge that you have developed so far to undertake a substantial and innovative research project relevant to your programme of study. After conducting a critical review of the literature and identifying appropriate research questions, you will undergo a period of project planning, during which you will identify suitable methods for data collection and analysis. Working under the guidance of an academic supervisor, you will then conduct your research activities before compiling and presenting your findings in the format of a research paper. Throughout this module, you will develop and apply a wide range of competencies that will enhance both your academic skill set and future employability, including project management, problem-solving and analytical skills, research methods, and technical expertise relevant to your programme of study. Your work will be formally assessed through the production of a research paper and an accompanying viva.