This module aims to develop students as independent learners by guiding them in the implementation of learning from Advanced Methods - as well as the modes of interdisciplinary thinking fostered by the MA as a whole – as part of the execution and delivery of an original Capstone Project. It provides students with an opportunity to extend their specialist knowledge and understanding of health and medical humanities and to deploy advanced methodologies and approaches accrued during semesters 1 and 2 in pursuit of an independent critical agenda (established during the Project Development module). This agenda may be pursued through desk-based or empirical research into topics and themes that contribute to contemporary academic debates, profession-oriented activity that explores theoretical knowledge and perspectives within practical/vocational contexts, or a creative project that responds imaginatively and constructively to resonant issues.
The resulting findings will compri se a dissertation, a placement report/portfolio, or a creative project, incorporating extensive secondary research, use of appropriate evidence, engagement with the theoretical and real-world contexts of medical and health humanities, and (as appropriate) collaboration with external partners. Students work with a supervisor who is a specialist in the chosen field of study. As the module requires students to plan a large project months ahead, to find and select relevant material, to maintain a coherent and complex argument, to negotiate large amounts of information and text, and (where appropriate) work with experts outside the university, it provides an excellent grounding in many key professional skills.

(LO1) Implement an advanced knowledge and understanding of a range of research methods and approaches

(LO2) Undertake systematic study of, and /or a creative or practical approach towards, a focussed area within the field of medical and health humanities in order to generate new and independent research and thinking

(LO3) Critically evaluate current debates and new insights within the field of medical and health humanities with an awareness of their relevance to the chosen area of study

(LO4) Work with independence and critical appreciation of complex issues within the field of medical and health humanities as they bear on the chosen focus

(LO5) Show capacity for working with a supervisor and or collaborating with external partners as well as for autonomously planning and executing an extended project

(LO6) Practically apply a comprehensive understanding of techniques for accessing electronic and bibliographic sources

(LO7) Use scholarly referencing and bibliographic conventions appropriate for advanced scholarship

(S1) Analyse diverse forms of discourse and of complex information and argument in a critical, creative and self-reflective manner

(S2) Present sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments

(S3) Autonomously design and self-direct a research-informed project that brings together a range of approaches and/or perspectives

(S4) Apply a variety of theoretical and practical approaches to a particular area of study

(S5) Retrieve information, assemble bibliographic data, and critically evaluate, sift and organize material independently

(S6) Use IT and other relevant tools and resources to present written and oral work to a professional, scholarly standard

(S7) Select and use electronic and/or archival resources for planning and undertaking research and writing

(S8) Demonstrate organisational skills in managing time and workloads, and in meeting deadlines

The majority of teaching will be delivered face-to-face on campus. Online delivery will be used to complement the on-campus delivery and where technology affords a better learning experience.

Independent learning: the Capstone Project requires students to work autonomously. Depending on the nature of the project, this might involve (for example) identifying and accessing resources, collaborating with an external partner, gathering and analysing primary material and data, undertaking empirical research, engaging intellectually with scholarship and creative practices, developing a sustained written argument, engaging actively in self-reflection or producing a creative output.

Supervisions: students are supported by a supervisor to bring their independent Capstone Project to completion. Supervisors may offer guidance on the practical implementation of plans formulated during the Project Development module, subject-specific expertise, feedback on work-in-progress (including comments on a written chapter draft, or equivalent), and periodic mentoring to review progress. Activities may take place via e-mail or in one-to-one meetings, in person or online. During this individual consultation (with the input of a collaborating/placement partner as appropriate), the supervisor will discuss progress and offer feedback on draft writing and/or preparatory material. The onus, however, is on students to plan and execute their research/project independently to produce an original piece of work. (Attendance at supervision meetings will be recorded in line with HLC policy on attendance.)

As this is a piece of individual work, there is no fixed syllabus, and the range and variety of work covered is agreed in consultation with a project supervisor. Students pursue the Capstone Project independently, and are aided in its planning, execution and completion by the supervisor, continuing the relationship established in the Project Development module. The student and supervisor meet at regular intervals to review progress and offer/receive guidance and feedback, according to an agreed timetable.