| CODE | EPE5032 | ||||||
| TITLE | Dissertation | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 30 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Early Childhood and Primary Education | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The dissertation is the final component of the Masters in Early Childhood Education and Care. Students are required to complete an individual dissertation of approximately 20,000 words adhering to the guidelines set by the program's Board of Studies. Students will choose a research topic related to early childhood education and care, conduct an original research study and present their findings. The dissertation provides students with an opportunity to engage deeply with a specific area of interest within the field. This research-based project allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, conduct rigorous inquiry, and develop solutions to challenges in early childhood education, contributing to the advancement of both practice and scholarship. As this field continues to evolve in response to societal, cultural, and policy changes, there is a growing need for professionals who can critically examine and address complex issues such as inclusivity, curriculum design, sustainability, professional development, and child well-being. By conducting an in-depth study, students can investigate these pressing issues, generate new insights, and contribute to evidence-based practice and policy. At the application stage, students are expected to submit a provisional dissertation title accompanied by a short research proposal of around 300 words submitted to the Board of Studies. The research process can begin once the student's research proposal is approved. Each student will be assigned a supervisor, who will offer regular guidance and support. This dissertation is an opportunity for students to conduct independent research, demonstrate advanced critical thinking, and contribute valuable insights to the field of early childhood education and care. It serves as a culmination of their academic development and prepares them for future professional and scholarly endeavors. Study-Unit Aims: The dissertation study-unit aims to equip students with the necessary skills to successfully undertake an independent research project in their chosen area of study. It provides students with the ability to identify specific areas of research interest and define clear, achievable research objectives. The study-unit supports students in locating, organising, and critically evaluating relevant literature and data, fostering their ability to develop a sound research methodology that aligns with their research questions. Through this study-unit, students will learn to collect and analyse relevant data effectively, applying appropriate research techniques to ensure the rigour and validity of their findings. Additionally, the unit guides students in addressing their original research aims while encouraging them to critically reflect on their findings and, where applicable, propose recommendations for future studies. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: The knowledge acquired will be specific to the research topic chosen by each student, providing an in-depth understanding of their area of inquiry. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Conduct independent and original research; - Identify research aims and generate research questions; - Critically review and synthesise relevant literature; - Design and implement an appropriate research methodology; - Collect, analyse, and interpret data; - Develop critical thinking and academic writing skills; - Produce a structured, coherent, and well-informed research document. These skills will not only prepare students for further study, such as doctoral research, but also enhance their professional capabilities. They reflect the ability to analyse, evaluate, and articulate complex issues, which are valuable in current and future professional roles. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Furseth, I. & Everett, E. L. (2013). Doing your Master's dissertation: From start to finish. Sage. - Hyatt, L, & Roberts, C. M. (2023). The dissertation journey: A practical and comprehensive guide to planning, writing and defending your dissertation. (4th ed.). Corwin. |
||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Dissertation | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
|
||||||
| LECTURER/S | |||||||
|
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
|||||||