This module provides an opportunity to conduct a project that is of importance to your professional practice and of relevance to your own workplace organisation; with the ultimate aim of influencing and impacting on the care provided to those using this service.

The Dissertation (Level 7) is typically taken as the final module for a variety of health-related courses from across the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences. The module provides students with the opportunity to lead extended research into their chosen area of interest with guidance from a named supervisor. There will be opportunities to develop practical skills in research culminating in a critical work of substantial length and sustained inquiry.

Who the course is aimed at

The module is aimed at health professionals undertaking MSc courses from a variety of fields including Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiotherapy and Healthcare Education. Through this module, students can gain the necessary experience to lead future research with confidence and generate publishable new knowledge within their fields of practice.

Benefits of taking the module to the individual, the organisation and the patient

For the individual, this module further develops learner autonomy and enables the individual to demonstrate their knowledge of research methods and their application. It provides an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of their profession, the service provided and the existing evidence base in their chosen project field. It may also provide a basis for further academic development i.e. progression onto a PhD/Professional Doctorate.

For the organisation, it provides support to an individual practitioner to conduct a piece of research/service evaluation or development which addresses organisational priorities.

For the patient, individuals are encouraged to conduct a project that has clear value in terms of improving clinical outcomes/patient experience.

What you learn – overall aims of the module

Students will have an opportunity to develop a relevant research question into an ethical, robust project proposal. Once approved (in accordance with our Faculty Research Ethics Committee protocols), the student will progress the project into a final written submission. Generating a project from conception to completion can be a highly rewarding venture and student will have opportunities to develop skills in research leadership, decision making, ethical practice, data analysis, and critical writing along the way. Throughout, students will have access to a named academic supervisor who will provide timely support and advice.

General areas covered – indicative content

The dissertation is a practical module enabling students to choose a project (appropriate to their course) and develop this into a final dissertation submission. Support and guidance is provided through a detailed Blackboard website and a named supervisor.

To study this distance learning module you will require access to a computer with

• a reliable internet connection
• Microsoft or Apple Mac Supported Office Software

• the current version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

Additional Assessment Information

Students are asked to submit a proposal which must be approved prior to pursuing their project. Completed projects are submitted as a 9,000 word thesis.

Students will be given information about the module and its requirements from their subject module leader and then support/guidance throughout their project from their allocated academic supervisor. 

Fees and Funding for 2024/25

Further details

For further information please contact the module leader Richard Clark - R.Clark@shu.ac.uk