Independent Study Project - SPY00155M
Module summary
The Independent Study Project is designed to assess a student’s ability to define and investigate a researchable question or thesis, drawing on academic knowledge and skills acquired during their studies as well as their own professional experiences and practice.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Online Teaching Period 4 2022-23 to Online Teaching Period 5 2022-23 |
| B | Online Teaching Period 6 2022-23 |
| C | Online Teaching Period 6 2022-23 |
Module aims
In their Independent Study Project, students review and integrate learning from a range of modules studied on the programme, and apply these models, frameworks and theories encountered on the programme to analyse and evaluate an issue from their own professional contexts.
The Independent Study Project ‘adds value’ beyond the taught modules as students can apply knowledge and skills from across different modules in a more holistic and in-depth way, focusing on a topic of their own choice and identifying an approach suitable for this topic.
By actively using relevant models, frameworks, theories, research outputs and secondary data, students can analyse and draw conclusions about an issue that is essential to their work.
Module learning outcomes
At the end of the Independent Study Project, students should be able to:
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demonstrate a systematic knowledge of existing scholarship in their chosen field.
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demonstrate a systematic knowledge of alternative ways of approaching public and social policy issues and research questions.
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demonstrate the ability to critically appraise published research findings in their chosen area of study.
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demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical insights to a relevant case study related to their professional contexts and interests.
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demonstrate self-direction and the ability in tackling and solving more complex public and social policy issues and research questions.
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work autonomously in planning, executing, analysing and writing up a piece of substantive academic writing over an extended period.
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demonstrate independent learning ability, especially initiative and skills in social research and written communication.
Module content
Students will work under the direction of their appointed supervisor.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Students will be supported in their work on the ISP by a dedicated ISP supervisor, to whom students can submit partial drafts of the ISP for feedback.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback on summative assessments will be provided within 20 working days, consisting of written comments and a marking matrix.
Indicative reading
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