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MSc Dissertation - Mental Health & Wellbeing in Education - EDU00104M

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  • Department: Education
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

In this module you will independently design, conduct, analyse and write up an original empirical research study on a topic of your choice in the context of mental health and wellbeing in education. The module provides an opportunity to integrate and put into practice your learning on research, policy and practice in mental health and wellbeing across the course modules. 

Professional requirements

none

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24 to Summer Semester 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims to integrate and put into practice your knowledge and skills in research, policy and practice in mental health and wellbeing acquired across the programme modules. This will be accomplished by you independently designing, conducting, analysing and writing up an original ethically conducted empirical research study on a topic of your choice in the context of mental health and wellbeing in education. The module will also advance and integrate your transferable skills in critically analysing and synthesizing information from research, policy and practice sources and developing your own perspective on it, formulating well reasoned arguments, and advance your effective written communication, literature search and digital literacy skills. 

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module: 

1. You will have an integrated and advanced critical understanding of up-to-date research on mental health and wellbeing,

2. You will be able to formulate integrative critical appraisals of policy and practice in relation to relevant research on mental health and wellbeing in education. 

3. You will have effective academic writing skills in communicating research, policy and practice in mental health and wellbeing in education.

4. You will be able to synthesise your research, policy and practice knowledge and prepare recommendations for innovate evidence-based strategies and interventions in mental health and wellbeing in education.

5. You will be able to independently design and conduct an original research project on mental health and wellbeing in education in all its phases including gaining research ethics approvals, collecting data and applying appropriate comprehensive data analysis methods,

6. You will be able to demonstrate advanced communication and research skills in being able to collaborate effectively with policy makers and/or teachers and other stakeholders during recruitment, data collection and results phases of the project. 

 

Module content

Students will be encouraged to think about their possible dissertation topic from the beginning of their studies in the Autumn term and work to the following timetable:

Spring Week 5: Students submit a 1-page research proposal on a topic of their choice.

Spring Week 8: Students are allocated a dissertation supervisor.

Spring Week 9-10: Students meet with their dissertation supervisor to refine their research idea.

 

Summer Week 2: Students meet with their dissertation supervisor.

Summer Week 4: Students submit a detailed research proposal and application for ethical approval (including informed consent documentation).

Summer Week 6: Students receive decisions from the Ethics Committee.

Students meet with their dissertation supervisor to plan data collection and, if necessary, to make final changes to ethics documentation.

Summer Week 10: Students meet with their dissertation supervisor to discuss progress.

 

Summer Vacation: Students meet with their dissertation supervisor twice to discuss progress.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 100

Module feedback

Individual written feedback is returned to students in line with university policy. Please check the Guide to Assessment, Standards, Marking and Feedback for more information.

Indicative reading

Bloomberg, L. D., & Volpe, M. (2018). Completing your qualitative dissertation: A road map from beginning to end. London, UK: Sage.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2013). Successful qualitative research: A practical guide for beginners. London, UK: Sage.

Wood, C., Percy, C. & Giles, D. (2012). Your Psychology Project Handbook. London, UK: Pearson.

Fallon, M. (2016). Writing up quantitative research in the social and behavioral sciences. Boston, MA: Sense Publishers.

Hatcher, L. (2013). Advanced statistics in research: Reading, understanding, and writing up data analysis results. Shadow Finch Media, LLC.



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.