Module: Research Dissertation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Research Dissertation
Module Code	HEA1043
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30

Description

This module will enable students to undertake a research thesis on a topic relevant to health and social inclusion under the supervision of an experienced academic. For the research thesis, students will demonstrate advanced understanding of the principles and process of undertaking independent research; demonstrating competence in its design, implementation and evaluation. This module will be tailored to the needs of students in applying research principles to their chosen thesis / projects. Teaching and learning activities will take the form of masterclasses, workshops, online engagement and tutorials as appropriate. Module resources and delivery may be shared with other SNPCH Masters programmes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Achieve the required research ethics approval for the research dissertation.
2. Translate the approved proposal into action through detailed project planning, stakeholder involvement (if appropriate) and implementing the appropriate frameworks, methodologies and resources to progress the inquiry/project.
3. Demonstrate the ability to undertake a research thesis of some originality.
4. Produce an extensive body of work in the form of a research thesis that has the potential for wider dissemination and knowledge impact.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	9	On campus in person workshops.
Online activity	12	Synchronous online thesis preparation tutorials.
Assessment Feedback	24	Individual student supervision
Independent Study	705	Independent study including literature review, proposal development, ethics application, data collection and analysis, and thesis write up.
Total Workload: 750

Section Breakdown
CRN	11315	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Michelle Butler	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Thesis	Submission of a Research Thesis or Practice development Project report	90%	Sem 2 End
Presentation	Submission of a poster and poster presentation based on the research findings.	10%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Roles and responsibilities of students and supervisors. Research ethics approval support. Translating approved proposal into action – project planning and management. Literature review support. Methodology support – selection, implementation of methodology. Data analysis and evaluation support. Compiling conclusions and recommendations. Formating and editing long documents. Poster development and dissemination of research findings.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Allen, J.Golde CM.: 2019, The Productive Graduate Student Writer: how to manage your time, process, and energy to write your research proposal, thesis and dissertation and get published, Stylus, Sterling Virginia,
Aveyard H: 2019, Doing a literature review in health and social care: a practical guide, 4th, McGraw Hill Education, New York,
Biggam J: 2021, Succeeding with your Master's dissertation: a step-by-step handbook, 5th, Open University Press, London,
Braun V, Clarke V.: 2022, Thematic analysis: A practical guide, Sage, Los Angeles,
Callahan, R. & Bhattacharya, D.: 2016, Public Health Leadership: Strategies for Innovation in Population Health and Social Determinants, 1, Routlege, USA,
Coonan E.: 2020, Where's Your Evidence?, Red Globe Press, 0, 9781352009620
Gilpatrick, G.: 2012, Quality Improvement Projects in Health Care: Problem Solving in the Workplace, 1, SAGE,
Gray D E.: 2021, Doing research in the real world, Sage Publications,
Kember, D. & Corbett, M.: 2018, Structuring the thesis: matching method, paradigm, theories and findings, Springer Link,
Manley, K., Wilson, V.K. & Oye, C.: 2021, International Practice Development in Health and Social Care, 2, Wiley, 978-111969835
Murray, R.: 2011, How to Write a Thesis, 4, McGraw-Hill Education (UK), 325, 9780335244294
Williams K., Reid M.: 2023, Planning Your Dissertation, Bloomsbury Academic, 0, 9781350374249
Williams K.: 2022, Getting Critical, Bloomsbury Publishing, 153, 9781350933576

Articles:

Watson, M: 2020, How to undertake a literature search: a step-by-step guide., British Journal of Nursing, 29(7), 43143, https://doi-org.dcu.idm.oclc.org/10.12968/bjon.2020.29.7.431, 512449
2020: How to undertake a literature search:enhancing your search, British journal of nursing, vol 29 (April 2020) Issue 8, 481, https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2020.29.8.481, 512450, 1
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups: International journal for quality in healthcare, vol 19, issue 6, 349, https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzm042,

Other Resources

None