PP7000 - Module 1: Examining Personal Context

What will I learn on this module?

This module encourages you to reflect on your professional journey and motivation for undertaking doctoral study, to identify personal and professional development needs and discuss the purpose of a reflexive approach during the research journey. You will explore early iterations of your research interest and critically discuss ideas to research real world problems. You will identify and share different personal and professional perspectives, values and beliefs and consider this in designing a future research proposal. You will identify and critically appraise relevant literature to support and demonstrate familiarity with a topic of interest, developing your skills in designing literature search strategies.

How will I learn on this module?

You will participate in independent, directed and collaborative enquiry on this module through a diverse set of teaching and learning approaches. You will be committed to a broad range of independent reading, discussion and reflection, facilitating expression of formative ideas, understanding interprofessional and organisational perspectives and developing a critical perspective on the development of research questions.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

A key part of enquiry on this module will be in the form of appreciative, reflective and small group discussions in which you will contribute with, and actively listen to, your peers in an appropriate, safe environment. In addition, the module e- Learning site will provide relevant supporting module content and online reading list. Your module tutor(s) will support you using a coaching style, and will work with you to establish a respectful, supporting and challenging relationship focused on meeting the module objectives.

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?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Explore Positionality and it’s impact on research
2. Identify robust foundation for proposed area of enquiry
3. Understand Relevant Research Ethics & Governance requirements

Intellectual / Professional Skills & Abilities:

1. Develop skills in critical reflection of personal and professional assumptions related to proposed research activity
2. Demonstrate advanced literature searching and reference management skills

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

1. Develop interprofessional relationships and appreciation of varying organisational perspectives

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment will take place via group tasks and discussion.
MLO’s: KU: 1, 3; IPSA: 2; PVA: 1

Feedback: Verbal from tutors & peers

Summative Assessment:
3500-word literature review to identify and critically appraise relevant literature to support and demonstrate familiarity with a topic of interest, developing your skills in designing literature search strategies.
1000-word Critical reflection on positionality.
(Pass/Fail)

MLO’s: KU: 2; IPSA: 2

Feedback: Written feedback against marking criteria from tutors.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module is the introduction to the taught element of the Professional Doctorate programme and aims to prepare students for the programme and transition to the research element. Students will explore, reflect and critically discuss their previous experience of research, consider their professional role and workplace. Students will submit an exploratory literature review on a topic of interest relevant to their professional context. Personal, professional and academic development will be explored by individual students and the module will build in introductory skills sessions including effective literature searching and reference management. Introduction and application of critical reflection and value in the research process, and consideration and impact of a reflective diary on personal development. Consideration of ethical issues within early iterations of research questions and the requirements of relevant research governance processes will be discussed.

Course info

Credits 30

Level of Study Research

Mode of Study 5 years Part Time

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start January 2025

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.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints