Overview

This 60 credit, Level 7 module is one of two dissertation routes for students to complete their MSc Advancing Professional Practice or MSc Advanced Clinical Practice. This dissertation module is undertaken over an academic year and has been specifically structured to take into account a number of factors affecting education and professional role development for health-care professionals to embody an emphasis on the researching professional as a reflective practitioner. The route is grounded in professional practice and will offer the student the opportunity to negotiate, design, implement and evaluate the effectiveness upon service of an advanced work-based project This will inform the development of professional practice, significantly contribute to service enhancement and contribute to the individual’s own continuing professional development.

The specific focus will be negotiated with the student according to their particular professional interests as demonstrated within their professional portfolio, in conjunction with their work-based facilitator and the module leader. It promotes an opportunity for the student to demonstrate critical and creative thinking through their approach to practice-based initiatives. The module will be underpinned by the work-based learning philosophy, which will be incorporated as a stimulating and challenging approach.

Module aims

This module aims to provide the opportunity for the demonstration of the acquisition of Masters level research outcomes through the execution of a professional practice based initiative that falls within the realms of the individual’s professional responsibility.

The approach to this dissertation will enable the student to negotiate, design, implement and evaluate the effectiveness upon service of an advanced work-based project; this will inform the development of professional practice, significantly contribute to service enhancement and contribute to the individual’s own continuing professional development.

Entry requirements

• Hold current first level Professional Registration with a relevant regulatory body.
• Have an identified work-based facilitator within their practice area, who will support and guide their development throughout this module and their Masters programme.
• A minimum of two years professional practice.

Module content

The dissertation year will facilitate the students understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of health care enquiry.

There will be a tripartite meeting between the student, module leader, employer and work-based facilitator (as appropriate) to develop and agree the specific area for exploration (driven through a planning contract), followed by a period of self-directed learning.

Workshops will be organised to assist students with their progress. Preparatory workshops will be run to help the students move on from their initial plan, and into the formal Dissertation stage. Further workshops will be offered to support the preparation of the dissertation; these will run alongside one-to-one supervision meetings.

Teaching and assessment

The principal learning and teaching methods used in the module may include:

• Lectures, seminars and workshops: The core of each module delivery mode is a series of face to face tutor-led or group-led seminars or workshops.
• Web-based learning using the Keele Learning Environment (KLE), Blackboard. 
• Group work and peer support. All modules use focused group work and class discussions within face to face tutor time
• Directed independent study. Most of the study hours for each module comprise independent learning by expecting participants to add depth and breadth to their knowledge of topics, to practice skills and to reflect on critical incidents and their practice.