Research

UNIT DESCRIPTION

This unit provides students with an overview of the major research methods used in both applied (workplace) and academic environments. Over the course of the unit, students will be introduced to the different types of research and will put their learning into practice by writing a literature review and developing a research proposal (or a proposal for a dissertation and a workplace portfolio) on an agreed topic of current relevance. Students are encouraged to think broadly when selecting a topic. The only requirements are that (i) the topic is relevant to the student’s discipline, (ii) there is a suitable instructor to supervise it, (iii) the topic is of sufficient interest and depth to justify the research, and (iv) there is sufficient research potential (previous publications, opportunity for original empirical research, capacity to interview informed sources, etc.) to enable the research to be completed to a high standard. Consequently, the proposed research may be empirical, conceptual, or legal in nature. Likewise, it may be in the form of an exegesis (where students analyse or interpret existing work on a topic) or may pursue an original research question. Topics covered in this unit include the importance of theory, research methods and methodologies, and the need to identify a concise research problem or hypothesis. Students will become familiar with the major types of research, including legal, conceptual, and empirical (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods). This unit will be useful for all students, whether they are about to enter the workforce or are preparing to continue their studies further. Upon successful completion of R500 Supervised Project (A), students may be eligible to enrol in either Supervised Project (B) or Supervised Project (C). Students will either (i) complete a dissertation on the subject of their research proposals, or (ii) complete a shorter dissertation along with a professional portfolio (e.g., a series of newspaper articles, magazine profiles, or video news segments).  

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate existing research relevant to their field of study
2. Explain the different types of research (legal, conceptual, empirical) and identify when each is appropriate.
3. Formulate a concise research problem or hypothesis that is suitable for advanced research.
4. Develop a research proposal for a dissertation or a dissertation plus professional portfolio, along with a sound methodology.

CERTIFICATION

The optional assessment tasks associated with this unit provide an opportunity for participants to consolidate their learning and to benchmark their understanding against the standard set by Chancellor Institute. Participants enrolled in this unit who successfully complete the optional assessments will qualify for a grade, academic transcript and certificate of completion for that unit. For further details about the assessments, please click on the Curriculum tab or contact our course advisors. Additional unit fees apply for students electing to undertake assessments. Participants who elect not to complete the optional assessments for this unit will receive a certificate of participation for the unit.   Shareable on Linkedin. You can share your certificates in the Certifications section of your LinkedIn profile, on printed resumes, CVs, or other documents.