PLM4P-Dissertation

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites: PL3RES Research Methods
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: c.pliatsikas@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The aims of this module are to provide the students with an understanding and working knowledge of research methods, project design and management, and data analysis. Students apply this knowledge to the planning, execution and writing up of a dissertation.

The dissertation allows students to complete an independent research project in a chosen area of Speech and Language Therapy, Cognitive and Language Sciences. Students undertake a project with support from an assigned dissertation supervisor. The outcome of the research project is written up as the student’s dissertation.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to develop high-level skills in critical evaluation and understanding of current research issues and methodologies within the chosen field of the dissertation project.  

This is achieved through the design, planning and implementation of an independent research project, submitted as a written dissertation of 8,000 words.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that a student will have a detailed knowledge of the topic of the dissertation and will be able to:

1. Knowledge & Understanding: demonstrate depth of knowledge in a specialized area with theoretical and/or clinical implications. Able to work at the limits of theoretical / research understanding.


2. Analysis: selecting and completing appropriate analysis of data, able to deal with complexity or contradictio ns in the knowledge base and in their own data set. 


3. Scholarship: mature use of scientific writing style, correct referencing for evidence based statements, write a fluent and clearly structured argument with professional presentation of data, 


4. Independence: autonomy in synthesizing information, problem solving in new or unexpected situations, evaluating own and other’s work.


5. Critical skills: accurately reflect on own and other&rsqu o;s work, evaluate and argue alternative approaches, able to work at the limits of theoretical / research understanding.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Dissertation research areas and approaches are wide-ranging, and cover all areas of speech and language therapy, cognitive and language sciences (i.e. topics covered in taught components of the course in Parts 1, 2 and 3).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

• Individual supervision with the assigned project supervisor. 


• Optional drop in sessions for support with data analysis (usually provided by lab demonstrators in the School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences).

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Students submit a draft of their dissertation in Spring term and receive structured feedback from their supervisor.

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 50% for the dissertation/overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission of dissertation.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020