This module aims:

to give students the opportunity to study a subject of their choosing related to their specialist area of study;

to develop an expertise over that subject area;

to develop techniques which will improve research skills in problem definition, information collection, analysis, synthesis and reasoned argument;

to develop individual initiative and judgement;

to develop writing and other communication skills.

(LO1) Students will be able to design and undertake an individual research project with supervision.

(LO2) Students will be able to defend the research proposal using oral and written communication skills.

(LO3) Students will be able to present a logical, critical and sustained argument in the final submission.

(S1) Organisational skills

(S2) Communication skills

(S3) Lifelong learning skills

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Small group study meetings
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Supervisor Meetings
Description: Supervisor meetings
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 2
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self Directed Learning Hours: 142
Description: Self directed learning is when individuals take initiative. Students define their own learning needs, learning goals and identify their resources for learning. They are also able to form their own learning strategies and evaluate their outcomes.

Non-modular Requirements
This module is only available to BA Marketing students. Students wishing to take this module should have displayed good writing skills in their first two years and ideally have obtained an average of 60% in their second year.

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Organisational skills
How this is developed: By generating a research proposal for formative feedback and by executing desk-based research
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Independent Study Research Project and presentation

Skills / attributes: Communication skills
How this is developed: By critically analysing and turning data obtained from secondary research into nuanced information in a final report
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Independent Study Research Project and Presentation

Skills / attributes: Lifelong learning skills
How this is developed: An independent study project involves cultivating self-directed learning techniques, critical thinking, adaptability, and effective problem-solving strategies.
Mode of assessment (if applicable) Independent Study Research Project

The independent study module is an individual piece of work, related to the specialist element within the Marketing programme, undertaken by the student with support from the leading module staff at touchpoints during the module. Supervision will comprise of a specified number of lecture-workshop sessions and individual supervisory meetings. These will involve supporting students with respect to scheduling the production of an appropriate independent study module project and support with the key stages of desk-based secondary research design, including; how to formulate relevant research aims and how to express these aims in the form of appropriate research questions;, identifying relevant sources of information and synthesising and interpreting findings, bibliographic sources and referencing; using and writing up about appropriate desk-based methodologies, and time management.