Module Content

This module allows students to carry out an in-depth study of a topic related to their Masters course. The academic level and demands of that study must be approved by the supervisor and the module tutor. Topics which do not permit this depth, or which do not have a sufficient relevant content will not be approved.

The module enables students to customise their programme to increase engagement and motivation by providing the opportunity to
• explore relevant, interesting topics such as software implementation which are course-related but not covered directly elsewhere,
• undertake relevant work-based activity which allows the student to relate theory to practice and to link the course to the needs of employers
• investigate and test ideas for the Masters Project so they’re up and running with the main project faster and can go further or they’ve failed fast and moved on to something else

The work should consist of an investigation into some application or theory appropriate to their Masters degree. The work can consist of a critical investigation, analysis and design, the design and implementation of a system, or a combination of these activities. The final product will normally be a report drawing conclusions from the work carried out. In the report the student shows the qualities of synthesis and critical evaluation appropriate to Masters level work.
Independent work
Investigation
Report writing
Topic-specific objectives agreed with the supervisor

Teaching Methods

Students will be supervised individually or in small groups as appropriate. Students are expected to work independently and to read and write extensively in their own time.

Assessment Methods

This module is assessed through a written report of 4,000 words.