Research Dissertation

For module start dates, view the 2023-24 Module Calendar (.docx)

This final module consolidates your learning and equips you to take your career forward with a range of skills and knowledge relevant to your professional practice. It is an opportunity to undertake an independent research project relevant to your field of practice.

You will formulate a research question, plan and carry out the project, analyse and write up the results. You can undertake primary or secondary research, or audit/service evaluation or a library based critical literature review research project. 

This module fits well within our MSc Medical and Clinical Education pathway or our MSc Leadership in Health and Care pathway.

Learning outcomes

• Acquisition of an in-depth good understanding of an area of study and practice
• Undertaking a systematically planned literature search and a thematic analysis of material accessed following the literature search
• Acquisition and insight into ethical and governance considerations
• Production of an appropriate methodology for the study and Analysis of data generated by the study
• Creation of critically robust conclusions and recommendations for practice

You must have successfully achieved 120 credits on the relevant Masters programme before undertaking this Dissertation:

• MSc Health Care Practice
• MSc Medical and Clinical Education
• MA in Professional Practice
• MSc Health Research
• MA Health and Organisational Research
• MSc Advanced Periodontal Practice
• MSc Periodontology.

Module Outline

In this module you will work independently under the supervision of an academic. Throughout the year of your study, there are a number of workshops and online resources to support you. You will build on content from previous modules including:

• Working with a supervisor
• Building on critical appraisal skills
• Developing an appropriate and feasible research question
• Designing a research project and protocol
• Ethical and Governance considerations
• Quantitative and qualitative data reporting
• Evaluation of the research process/evidence
• Presentation skills
• Authorship/writing skills
• Dissemination strategies
• Project and Time management.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Assessment strategy

A 12,000 word dissertation with associated appendices and documents. You will be encouraged to submit a poster to the annual student research conference in the School.

Our CPD Funding page has more information on fees for our modules and potential funding sources.

We have guidance on making your application and the forms to download on our how to apply page.