Module Details

Module Code: MMED9036
Title: UX and SD MSc Project
Long Title: UX and SD MSc Project
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 30
Field of Study: 2130 - Multimedia
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module is the capstone of the MSc in User Experience and Service Design and draws from modules delivered over the previous semester of the programme. The aim of the module is to enable the student to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed Masters project that explores an approved project applied to research fields aligned to User Experience or Services Design.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Implement self-directed learning to further knowledge and understanding of an unfamiliar and/or ill-defined research topic applied to the field of User-Experience or Service Design.
LO2 Implement appropriate written and oral communication skills when presenting the work undertaken which justifies the contributions and conclusions reached.
LO3 Apply appropriate and ethically sound quantitative, qualitative or mixed methodology research to evaluate identified research issues.
LO4 Critically reflect on the process of research and practice within the context of UX or Service Design.
LO5 Synthesise key issues in the research and development phases and key project outcomes and findings into a presentation and a conference-level publication.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Content
Prior to taking this module, the student will have developed a detailed research proposal which will be further developed, investigated and implemented as part this module. Considerable latitude, will be given to the student in the choice of subject material and medium for the project, thereby allowing assessment of selectivity and creativity.
General
Supervised self-directed learning that addresses the learning outcomes, draws on the overall curriculum content and critically evaluates a specific research problem.
User Centred Approach
Students will be expected to follow a rigours user centred approach throughout this module. This would typically involve the student engaging with key stakeholders (incl users groups, clients) from the outset of the module. As part of this, students will be required to objectively test and validate their findings using appropriate scientific methodologies and methods.
Oral ad poster presentation
Disseminate the research work and outcomes and communicate effectively, through oral and poster presentations. This will include an in-depth question and answer session.
Research Paper
Develop and write a conference paper submission in the form of a long paper, which communicates and disseminates the research work undertaken and the research outcomes developed. The paper should include the analysis undertaken, results of the work and how this work contributes to furthering knowledge in the specific field of research. The learner must demonstrate a deep and fundamental understanding of the specific research problem addressed.
Structure of Paper
Structure, layout and submission of the Research Paper: This is for guidance only and may be varied (as relevant to the research area) by agreement with the individual research supervisor. The sole exception to this is the requirement to present a signed statement confirming the paper, as submitted, is the independent work of the presenting student. The written submission may include: • Title page • Statement confirming the thesis is the individual and independent work of the presenting student (essential element) • Abstract • Acknowledgements • Table of contents • Statement of research problem and rationale • Introduction • Literature review • Research methodology . Data Analysis / Findings • Discussion, Conclusion and Recommendations • References • Appendices
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 2,4
Assessment Description
A presentation on work to date, objectives reached, timelines, work plan refinement, risks, etc. Audience to include staff, peers, 15 mins plus questions.
Assessment Type Performance Evaluation % of Total Mark 45
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Project work is demonstrated to internal, external examiners, peers. Evaluation is based on learner application over the semester, effectiveness of the project outcomes and quality of the demonstration, which will include the final artefact as well as any supplementary material such as study reports, raw data collected, study plans etc that document the research process throughout.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 35
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
10-15 page conference paper submission outlining the topic, research question and methodology, project, findings and plan. The student will also be expected to demonstrate their project through a presentation and/or demonstration.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Weekly meeting with project supervisor. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 41.00 41
Total Hours 42.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 42.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Weekly meeting with project supervisor. Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 41.00 41
Total Hours 42.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 42.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • John A Sharp, John Peters, Keith Howard. (2002), The Management of a Student Research Project, [ISBN: 9780566084904].
  • Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, William T. FitzGerald. (2016), The Craft of Research, 4th. [ISBN: 022623973X].
  • Kim Goodwin. (2009), Designing for the Digital Age: How to Create Human-Centered Products and Services, [ISBN: 9780470229101].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Gina Wisker. (2007), The Postgraduate Research Handbook: Succeed with your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD, Palgrave Research Skills, [ISBN: 0230521304].
  • Martin Brett Davies. (2014), Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods, [ISBN: 1137306424].
  • John W. Creswell, J. David Creswell. (2018), Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, [ISBN: 1506386768].
  • Thomas, Gary. (2017), How to do your Research Project, Sage Publications Ltd. London, [ISBN: 9781473948877].
  • Ranjit Kumar. (2019), Research Methodology, 4th. Sage Publications Ltd. London, [ISBN: 9781526449900].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HUXSR_9 Master of Science in User Experience and Service Design 3 Mandatory