SHS Distance Learning Dissertation module (PN50157)

SCQF Level: 11 (Masters level)

Available September, February, June

Target Audience

This programme is targeted at professionals who work in health and social care who wish to extend their knowledge and understanding of research methodologies in relation to their own setting.

Mode of Delivery

This module is delivered online through My Dundee. Anyone with access to the internet and basic IT skills will be able to use My Dundee. You will also have the opportunity to link with your fellow students using customised discussion boards on My Dundee. You will also have a dissertation supervisor appointed.

Module Aim(s)

This module aims to enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of research or work-based project methodology. It will support you to develop critical thinking, and enable you to utilise and apply a methodology within your own area of interest or practice.

Module Overview

The dissertation involves

• formulating an appropriate research project in conjunction with your supervisor
• choosing and applying a method of enquiry and carrying out the research
• relating the work to existing knowledge on the topic
• producing a dissertation to specifications provided by the University

Assessment Strategy

The summative module assessment takes the form of a 12,000-word Dissertation, related to an area of professional practice and to the MSc Award.

The dissertation is staged into two parts. 

• Part 1: Will be submitted three months after the start of the dissertation for formative feedback. 
• Part 2: will be completed over the following six months with further advice and optional feedback. 

The final submission will include both part one and part two.

There are three options to choose from:

Option 1: Extensive Research Proposal Project

You will review the literature and prepare a research proposal

• Part 1: identify a relevant professional issue, review and identify a gap in the literature
• Part 2: using the findings of the literature review, identify a research question and prepare an extensive research proposal

Option 2: Evidence Review Project

You will plan and carry out an evidence review project

• Part 1: identify a relevant professional issue and prepare a protocol for an evidence review
• Part 2: using the protocol, carry out the planned project

Option 3: Work-based Project

You will plan and carry out a work-based project using a suitable approach such as quality improvement, change management or service evaluation methods.

• Part 1: identify a relevant professional issue, review the literature and prepare a plan for a work-based project
• Part 2: undertake the work-based project and prepare a critical reflective report incorporating a folder of evidence (from the project undertaken)

Module Requirements

You will require to have completed all relevant modules for your MSc programme prior to progressing to dissertation.

Module contact

For further information, please contact the School of Health Sciences

Telephone: +44(0)1382 388534

Email: nursing-health-postqualifying@dundee.ac.uk