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Independent Study Project - SPY00155M

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  • Department: Social Policy and Social Work
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Kevin Caraher
  • Credit value: 30 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24

Module summary


The Independent Study Project is designed to assess a student’s ability to define and investigate a researchable question or thesis, drawing on academic knowledge and skills acquired during their studies as well as their own professional experiences and practice.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Online Teaching Period 4 2022-23 to Online Teaching Period 5 2022-23
B Online Teaching Period 6 2022-23
C Online Teaching Period 6 2022-23

Module aims


In their Independent Study Project, students review and integrate learning from a range of modules studied on the programme, and apply these models, frameworks and theories encountered on the programme to analyse and evaluate an issue from their own professional contexts.


The Independent Study Project ‘adds value’ beyond the taught modules as students can apply knowledge and skills from across different modules in a more holistic and in-depth way, focusing on a topic of their own choice and identifying an approach suitable for this topic. 


By actively using relevant models, frameworks, theories, research outputs and secondary data, students can analyse and draw conclusions about an issue that is essential to their work.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of the Independent Study Project, students should be able to:

  • demonstrate a systematic knowledge of existing scholarship in their chosen field. 

  • demonstrate a systematic knowledge of alternative ways of approaching public and social policy issues and research questions. 

  • demonstrate the ability to critically appraise published research findings in their chosen area of study.

  • demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical insights to a relevant case study related to their professional contexts and interests.

  • demonstrate self-direction and the ability in tackling and solving more complex public and social policy issues and research questions. 

  • work autonomously in planning, executing, analysing and writing up a piece of substantive academic writing over an extended period.

  • demonstrate independent learning ability, especially initiative and skills in social research and written communication.

Module content

Students will work under the direction of their appointed supervisor.
 

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Independent Study Project		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information


Students will be supported in their work on the ISP by a dedicated ISP supervisor, to whom students can submit partial drafts of the ISP for feedback. 

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Independent Study Project		 N/A 100

Module feedback


Feedback on summative assessments will be provided within 20 working days, consisting of written comments and a marking matrix.

Indicative reading

 - - 


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring 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 by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.