EDUC9064 - Graduate Research Skills

Module Details

Module Code: EDUC9064
Title: Graduate Research Skills
Long Title: Graduate Research Skills
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2021/22 ( January 2022 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 10
Field of Study: 1420 - Education Studies
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: The module entails evaluation of the different stages of the research process, its philosophy and management including the formulation of the research question. Students create a personal development plan in consultation with their supervisor. Finally students develop a detailed research proposal
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop a research question appropriate for a postgraduate research programme
LO2 Describe the research process and organising a research project
LO3 Critique a range of research methodologies applicable to the research question
LO4 Create a personal and professional development plan including a publication strategy for your work
LO5 Write a detailed research proposal in manner appropriate for a postgraduate research programme proposal
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
The Research Process; an overview
The 8 step model of research: formulating a research problem, conceptualising research design, constructing an instrument for data collection, sample selection, planning your research schedule, use of action plans, milestones, deliverables and Gantt charts in research time management, writing scientifically, writing the research proposal, collecting the data, processing and analyzing data and writing the research report. Data ownership; the role of intellectual property, patents etc.
The Research Path
Development of a personal development plan in consultation with your graduate supervisory panel with a view to recognising learning achieved to date and planning modules and learning for future personal and professional development
Research Methodologies
Examination and review of the different types of research methodologies applicable to your research question from published literature and planning the types of research methodology you will incorporate in your studies
Constructing a Research Report
How to produce a successful report, writing scientifically,disseminating your research findings, researching the right journal/conference to present your work. Deciding on the appropriate form of writing i.e. an abstract, a short communication, a book chapter a full manuscript or a review. Interpreting the aims and scope of a journal.
Research Support
Literature searches using the library and internet, effective reference management, management of literature on a computer. Creation of a bibliography
University Research Environment
University supports available to support postgraduate research students: careers service, library, innovation and entreprise office, and counselling service
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 7 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Develop a written report addressing the module learning outcomes. Discuss with peers for feedback and review
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 80
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Develop a full research proposal addressing the learning outcomes of the module
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
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Further reading and assignments Every Week 13.00 13
Lecture Contact Seminar series Every Week 1.00 1
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Seminar Series Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Assigned reading and assignments Every Week 13.00 13
Total Hours 14.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 14.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Judith Bell and Stephen Waters. (2018), Doing your Research Project: A guide for first-time researchers, 7th. Open University Press, [ISBN: 9780335243389].
  • Ranjit Kumar. (2019), Research Methodology: A step-by-step guide for Begineers, 5th. SAGE Publications, London, [ISBN: 9781526449900].
  • Catherine Dawson. (2019), Introduction to Research Methods: A practical guide for anyone undertaking a research project, 5th. Robinson, [ISBN: 9781408711057].
  • Joshua Schimel. (2011), Writing Science: How to Write Papers That Get Cited and Proposals That Get Funded, 1st. Oxford University Press, p.240, [ISBN: 978-019976024].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Larry A. Machi, Brenda T. McEvoy. (2016), The Literature Review: Six Steps to Success, 3rd. Corwin, [ISBN: 978150633624].
  • Wayne C. Booth. (2008), The Craft of Research (Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing), 3rd. [ISBN: 978-0226065663].
  • Gordon Rugg and Marion Petre. (2020), The Unwritten Rules of PhD Research, 3rd. Open University Press, p.320, [ISBN: 9780335262120].
  • Dora Farkas. (2021), The Smart Way to Your Ph.D.: Finish your dissertation 12 months sooner, 2nd. Finish Your Thesis Academy, USA, [ISBN: 9788524972576].
  • Barbara Gastel and Robert A. Day. (2022), How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 9th. Greenwood, p.348, [ISBN: 9781440878848].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_HRDPR_9 Postgraduate Certificate in Research Development & Practice 1 Mandatory