Core Module Information
Module title: Dissertation - Research in Blended and Online Education

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 60.00
ECTS credit value: 30

Module code: EDU11115
Module leader: Louise Drumm
School Department of Learning, Teaching & Enhancement
Subject area group: Learning and Teaching Enhancement
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module provides you with guidance and support towards your completion of an individual research project – a dissertation - whose theme complements your learning on the MSc Blended and Online Education programme. Traditionally your dissertation should be a written piece of work, but here, at least one element should be presented as a digital artefact. You may submit a patchwork collection of digital artefacts, in negotiation with your supervisor and examiner, as substantive elements of your work. In either case, work must be the result of independent, critical investigation which evidences the use of relevant research methods and detailed knowledge of established literature and other sources in the chosen area of study. You will be assigned a personal supervisor who is tasked with monitoring your progress as well as offering feedback, advice and guidance. You will also have an identified internal examiner who examines the final dissertation and takes the lead at the viva. There are three deliverables prior to final submission: (1) Project Proposal (observing a formal approval process undertaken by the supervisor and student); (2) Initial Report; (3) Outline Dissertation.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Develop extensive knowledge of a specialist area of investigation, and develop and justify research questions appropriate to the area, issues or problems identified.

LO2: Critically explore and review literature relevant to the topic chosen.

LO3: Plan and justify an appropriate academic research methodology appropriate to an in-depth research project, underpinned by an identified philosophical position.

LO4: Gather, analyse, synthesise and interpret data with which to explore research questions.

LO5: Communicate research in appropriate digital formats for a diverse audience.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2024/5, Trimester 1, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
Location of delivery: ONLINE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Stuart Taylor
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Online Guided independent study 585 Your guided independent study will form the majority of your learner hours on this module. This is supported through Moodle, with online opportunities for engagement and collaboration with cohort colleagues, and with access to materials and support which (LO1) enable you to select and explore an appropriate area of investigation and form your research topic and questions, gaining confidence in your understanding of the obligations and requirements of a research project.
Independent Learning Seminar 5 In these early webinars you will develop your project and share with peers. All learning outcomes (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) will be incorporated into other occasional webinars, facilitated by programme staff and colleagues from Edinburgh Napier University.
Independent Learning Project Supervision 10 Throughout your dissertation journey, you will receive guided support and feedback from your supervisor in planning and justifying an appropriate methodology (LO3) and in presenting ideas (LO5) with opportunities for regular online meetings available (comprising a minimum of 10 hours of supervision support), as negotiated between yourself and your supervisor.
Total Study Hours600
Expected Total Study Hours for Module600


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Dissertation 100 1~2~3~4~5 Week 12 , WORDS= 15000 DissertationYou will submit your dissertation in Week 12 of the second trimester of this module (Week 27 in total), and participate in a viva following this (around 2 weeks after submission).
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100
2024/5, Trimester 2, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
Location of delivery: ONLINE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Stuart Taylor
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Project Supervision 10 Throughout your dissertation journey, you will receive guided support and feedback from your supervisor in planning and justifying an appropriate methodology (LO3) and in presenting ideas (LO5) with opportunities for regular online meetings available (comprising a minimum of 10 hours of supervision support), as negotiated between yourself and your supervisor.
Online Guided independent study 585 Your guided independent study will form the majority of your learner hours on this module. This is supported through Moodle, with online opportunities for engagement and collaboration with cohort colleagues, and with access to materials and support which (LO1) enable you to select and explore an appropriate area of investigation and form your research topic and questions, gaining confidence in your understanding of the obligations and requirements of a research project.
Independent Learning Seminar 5 In these early webinars you will develop your project and share with peers. All learning outcomes (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) will be incorporated into other occasional webinars, facilitated by programme staff and colleagues from Edinburgh Napier University.
Total Study Hours600
Expected Total Study Hours for Module600


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Dissertation 100 1~2~3~4~5 Week 10 , WORDS= 10,000 words DissertationYou will submit your dissertation in Week 10 of the second trimester of this module (Week 25 in total), and participate in a viva following this (around 2 weeks after submission).
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100
2024/5, Trimester 3, Online (fully o,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 003
Primary mode of delivery: Online (fully o
Location of delivery: ONLINE
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Louise Drumm
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Independent Learning Project Supervision 10 Throughout your dissertation journey, you will receive guided support and feedback from your supervisor in planning and justifying an appropriate methodology (LO3) and in presenting ideas (LO5) with opportunities for regular online meetings available (comprising a minimum of 10 hours of supervision support), as negotiated between yourself and your supervisor.
Online Guided independent study 585 Your guided independent study will form the majority of your learner hours on this module. This is supported through Moodle, with online opportunities for engagement and collaboration with cohort colleagues, and with access to materials and support which (LO1) enable you to select and explore an appropriate area of investigation and form your research topic and questions, gaining confidence in your understanding of the obligations and requirements of a research project.
Independent Learning Seminar 5 In these early webinars you will develop your project and share with peers. All learning outcomes (LOs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) will be incorporated into other occasional webinars, facilitated by programme staff and colleagues from Edinburgh Napier University.
Total Study Hours600
Expected Total Study Hours for Module600


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Dissertation 100 1~2~3~4~5 Week 12 , WORDS= 15,000 words DissertationYou will submit your dissertation in Week 12 of the second trimester of this module (Week 27 in total), and participate in a viva following this (around 2 weeks after submission).
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
EDU11115 Dissertation - Research in Blended and Online Education