Module: Practicum - Applied Research

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Practicum - Applied Research
Module Code	MAD1037 (ITS: MG513I)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	20

Description

This practicum / dissertation is a capstone module, designed to afford students on the MScI&I the opportunity to take a deep dive into a topic area in the sphere of food, beverages and horticulture. It allows them to exercise their creative curiosity and their analytic and writing skills in a focused and practical manner. It further allows them to draw on the experience they've gained in the industry alongside the academic skills and frameworks from their MSc to analyse a real-life issue, problem or opportunity. This is an individual dissertation of 20,000 words that allows each student create a meaningful piece of primary research to complement the theoretical materials covered in prior modules on their programme.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate a sound grasp of the theoretical principles affecting a defined area of a domain of knowledge.
2. Perform high quality primary research to explore further specific aspects of a problem
3. Apply the appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies to a primary research project
4. Analyse primary data and be able to draw appropriate conclusions based on that data.
5. Demonstrate a capacity for original thought, logical argument and the ability to discuss themes objectively and rigorously
6. Appropriately reference all materials cited, using the Harvard Business School style.
7. Apply appropriate qualitative or quantitative research methodologies to a primary research project.

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	11857	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Peter Robbins	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Students will be required to submit a research proposal of ~3000 words and upon approval of the proposal, a supervisor will be allocated. By March 31st, Students will be required to submit the 20,000 word dissertation.	100%	n/a

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

Succeeding with your dissertation, a step-by-step handbook. John Biggaam - McGraw Hill

Indicative Reading List

Books:

0: Succeeding with your dissertation, a step-by-step handbook. John Biggaam - McGraw Hill,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None