Module: Research Module

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Research Module
Module Code	RET1087
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	30

Description

The Research Module includes both formative training sessions and the completion of a minor thesis. The module provides an introduction to writing essay assignments, major papers and a dissertation at Taught MA level. The minor thesis, under the direction of an appointed supervisor, provides course participants with the opportunity to demonstrate research skills in an area of interest in theology and religious studies, along with knowledge and competence in these subjects.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in research and writing, in conducting research, and managing and completing written assignments and a minor thesis;
2. Demonstrate in a minor thesis a systematic understanding and analysis of a chosen issue or question informed by reliable and valid sources that are at the forefront of their academic field;
3. Display a critical awareness of a relevant issue related to the study of theology and/or religion;
4. Formulate a research question; select from a range of research methodologies that facilitate a theoretical and/or an applied approach to a relevant issue;
5. Apply a research methodology appropriate to investigating the research question and to give evidence of a sustained analysis, critical engagement and appropriate academic register in a minor thesis.

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	12159	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Brad Anderson	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Minor thesis of 15,000 words.	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

Content
• Academic Saturday: research and writing at postgraduate level • Engagement with allocated supervisor • Minor thesis seminar / roundtable discussions

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Fowler, Alisdair: 2007, How to Write, Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Manser, Martin & Curtis, Stephen: 2002, The Penguin Writer's Manual, Penguin, London,
Trask, R.L.: 2001, Mind the Gaffe: The Penguin Guide to Common Errors in English, Penguin, London,
Haffner, Paul: 1996, A Methodology for Term Papers and Theses, Gracewing, Leominster,
Anderson, Bradford A., Northey, Margot, and Lohr, Joel: 2018, Making Sense in Religious Studies: A Student's guide to Writing and Research, Oxford University Press,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None