Module: Research Dissertation

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Research Dissertation
Module Code	NS5035 (ITS) / PST1015 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
Module Co-ordinator	Gemma Kiernan
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

The dissertation module supports the student undertaking research in an area related to psychotherapy. The student will follow through all aspect of the research process from inception of a research question to dissemination through the production of the thesis

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify a psychotherapy related research question(s)
2. Select an appropriate research design to address specific research questions
3. Conduct a critical review and synthesis of research literature
4. Conduct a study using one methodology and its associated methods in depth
5. Present research findings in a readable well structured format

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Workshop	20	Lecture/group work focussing on topics relevant to undertaking psychotherapy research and writing a dissertation
Tutorial	6	Supervision (one to one) with supervisor.
Independent Study	724	Conducting research and writing thesis
Total Workload: 750

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Research question to methodological approach
Decision making and justification

Critical reviewing of literature
Selecting literature for review, using literature in the thesis

Methodologies explored
Specific quantitative and qualitative designs and methods being used by the students

How to write a thesis
From introduction to conclusions

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	15,000 word thesis	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Bell, J.: 2014, Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science, Open University Press, Maidenhead, UK,
Gray, D. E.: 2022, Doing Research in the Real World, 5th, SAGE, London, UK,
Hart, C.: 2005, Doing your masters dissertation: Realizing your potential as a social scientist, SAGE, London; Thousand Oaks, CA,
Braun, V. & Clarke, C.: 2013, Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide for Beginners, SAGE, London, UK,,
Gravetter, F. J., & Wallnau, L. B.: 2016, Research methods for the behavioral sciences, 5th, Cengage, Stamford CT, US,
Oliver, P.: 2004, Writing your thesis., Sage, London ; Thousand Oaks, CA,

Other Resources

None