Dissertation (MSc in E-learning) (P01550)

? Credit Points : 60 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : EDU-P-P01550

The Dissertation is a major study demanding of the course member a high level of individual application and commitment to research and enquiry. It provides the participant with the opportunity to identify, reflect on and explore a topic that has implications for his or her own professional development and scholarly interest. The Dissertation will involve a critical interrogation of the relationship between academic theory, professional practice and the design, ethics and interpretation of research. Research training is an important part of the Dissertation process and this will be offered via a core course in Research Methods. Before beginning the dissertation, students will submit a detailed dissertation proposal of around 2000 words, which will be produced as part of the assessment for the Research Methods course. On successful completion of Research Methods the student may begin work on the dissertation with guidance and support from the designated dissertation supervisor.

Provision will be made for students who wish to submit their dissertation in an alternative to the standard written format (for example as a web-essay or an extended practical course design or assessment-building project). Participants wishing to pursue this as an option will need to take particular care that their dissertation proposal details how they will demonstrate an appropriate level of critical analysis, academic knowledge and reflection on the nature of enquiry. Full guidance will be given in the programme dissertation handbook.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : An introduction to digital environments for learning (P01038) Research Methods (MSc in E-learning) (P01549)

? Costs : Students will be required to have regular access to a networked computer, and will be responsible for providing their own computing equipment and consumables. Broadband is recommended.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Research (EDU), (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Additional Class Information : The course will be delivered flexibly and online.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course participants will be able to:

specify a topic of enquiry suitable for a dissertation and justify its theoretical significance, relevance and practical feasibility

identify and reflect critically on relevant up-to-date literature, research reports and other scholarly evidence with specific reference to the research process chosen

collect and analyse evidence, justifying the approaches and techniques used, and identifying the implications of these decisions

critically examine the contribution and limitations of the study undertaken in theoretical and applied terms

demonstrate that the study complies with relevant ethical guidelines

present work which engages appropriately with academic conventions in relation to style, tone, structuring and referencing.