This module is intended to build upon the subject and development skills gained at levels 1 and 2, and also, if relevant in the professional training year. It allows students to develop their subject skills, with a particular emphasis on those skills involved in the dissertation or creative writing project at level 3 (as a supplement to the teaching via individual supervision).

For those students who wish to continue to further study, the module also provides key grant application sessions. The module also provides a structured opportunity to review the PDP file. In order to encourage responsibility for future choices the sessions use ULearn in association with the PDP file as a way of negotiating individual needs.

The tutor-led sessions run on alternate weeks throughout the year, but this is supplemented through ULearn and use of Group Discussion Boards.

The module aims to further develop:

• subject specific research and writing skills; particularly those involved in the producing research and projects at level HE3
• personal development in a career-related context.

And to introduce students to:

• the ability to reflect upon subject experiences in order to build upon these for the future.

By the end of the module students will have knowledge of:

• a wide range of subject and development skills;
• an understanding of how their subject experiences has contributed to their personal development.

The content of the workshops held on alternate weeks will include:

Week 2: Planning the Dissertation or Creative Writing project

Content will include advice on the level 3 project supervision process; verifying the feasibility of dissertations/projects; and developing a timeline.

Week 4: Locating and Using Resources

Content will include identifying relevant resources and situating research in an appropriate scholarly context.

Week 6: Analysing primary and secondary sources

This workshop will examine different ways of analysing sources and of organising research findings.

Week 8: Reviewing the PDP file

This workshop will provide specific guidance on grant applications and choices for further study and careers

Week 10: Finalising your level 3 dissertation or project

Content will include information on editing work, drawing research conclusions, alongside information relating to the submission of level 3 dissertations or projects

Week 11: Evaluating your work

This workshop will provide advice on the self-evaluation of level 3 work.

Assessment Deadline:

Alternate weekly 1 hour workshops and student-led ULearn Discussion Board Activity

Fabb, Nigel & Durant, Alan  (2005), How to Write Essays, Coursework Projects and Dissertations in Literary Studies. London: Longman.

Hart, Chris (1998): Doing a Literature Review. London: Sage

Swetnam, Derek (2000): Writing Your Dissertation. London: How To Books

Walliman, Nicholas S R (2000): Your Research Project. London: Sage