Module: Capstone Project

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Capstone Project
Module Code	NUR1188 (ITS: NS5901P)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module aims to equip students with the capability to interrogate an aspect of nursing practice drawing on knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme. Students will undertake a research dissertation/ project under supervision negotiation with the module coordinator. The indicative syllabus will be supported by master classes within the School of Nursing (academic staff, research students and visiting academics). In addition to supervision, students will be required to present their work as it develops to their peers and staff and spend time engaged in self- directed learning.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically evaluate relevant policy and practice, approaches and arguments adopted in existing research in the field of interest
2. Critically analyse and synthesize relevant research literature in the field of interest .
3. Demonstrate originality and innovation in approaching the topic of interest formulating material amassed into a structured coherent body of work
4. Conduct secondary data analysis where/if appropriate.
5. Articulate realistic proposals for the improvement of policy or practice as appropriate.
6. Disseminate findings in a coherent structure reaching reasoned conclusions.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	Classes, master classes and academic supervision.
Tutorial	18	Tutorial, individual presentations and peer support.
Independent Study	212	Student self direction.
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	21275	Part of Term	Semester 2 & 3
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Siobhan Rothwell	Module Teacher	Therese Leufer

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	Peer presentation of ongoing research dissertation/ project plan.	10%	n/a
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Submission of a research dissertation / project based on the student's area of nursing practice	90%	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

Phase One – Planning
Topics of interest /Timescales for work Key research methods & approaches Formulating/refining focus Decisions on specific approach for research dissertation/ project

Phase Two – Moving Forward with Dissertation/ Project
Instruments to underpin / enable dissertation/ project/ Analysis of material amassed

Phase Three – Writing Up
Structure of final document Requirements for submission and dissemination expectations

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout - Overholt, E.: 2019, Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: a guide to best practice, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 978-197518572
Denise Polit and Beck, C: 2017, Essent Nursing Research (Int Ed), 9th, Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 9781496358356
Bonnell, WE and Smith KV: 2022, Proposal writing for clinical nursing and DNP projects, Springer, New York,
Karen Roush: 2015, A Nurse's Step-by-step Guide to Writing Your Dissertation Or Capstone, SIGMA Theta Tau International, Center for Nursing Press, 136, 9781940446080
Dianne Morrison-Beedy: 2018, Intervention Research and Evidence-based Quality Improvement, Springer Publishing Company, 480, 9780826155535

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None