PE7046 - Research Project

You will learn through a mix of online learning resources housed within the module site, with additional online workshops, tutor guidance and feedback, and independent directed and self-directed learning. The on-line workshops will introduce you to research methodology theories and concepts and allow you to discuss with the tutors and your peers (via the discussion Virtual Learning Environment) your research ideas.

You will then move to the project stage where you will be allocated a supervisor who you will subsequently work with you on a one to one basis through to the completion of your study. These interactions will be undertaken virtually.

Your learning is supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan, offering guidance on reading to prepare for initial workshops and help with the completion of the assessment. Within this plan there are also suggested learning activities, which guide you in your independent learning. These activities allow you to reflect and evaluate your knowledge and skills and in this area. Throughout, the emphasis will be on high levels of student participation, both individually and within small groups or teams via the discussion board.

Support will be provided to you by a member of academic staff leading the module and providing the interactive workshop input. The module tutor will support the online discussion board and may be contacted individually or by groups of students via the discussion board. This support is part of the module’s e-learning portal, which houses workshop materials, case studies and how-to multimedia & text files.

As your research project will require you to engage in a substantive amount of independent work, you will be allocated a research supervisor. The supervisor will provide formative feedback on the development and progress of your research project. Throughout your period of engagement, your supervisor will guide you through the process of formalizing, executing, preparing, and writing-up your research project during supervision sessions.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: Apply in depth specialist technical and academic knowledge and critical understanding of research methodologies and project management in the context of an independent academic research project related to your programme of study and at the forefront of the computer science and digital technology field.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO2: Identify, plan and execute a substantial independent research project demonstrating originality, critical and innovative thinking and problem solving
• MLO3: Define, refine, and operationalize a researchable topic that is succinctly focused and critically justified in terms of its theoretical framework and research methodology and accurately reflects your programme of study.
• MLO4. Effectively communicate the outcomes of a significant individual research project in both written and oral forms.
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Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: Critically evaluate and address professional, ethical, legal and social issues in an appropriate manner within an academic research environment

An individual 10,000-word report. This will include the justification of a research proposal, critical review of the literature, planning and design of the research study to the implementation of your research, analysis of the findings, evaluation, and reflection. You will be expected to critique and analyse literature relating to the issue under investigation and produce a critically argued report that makes appropriate conclusions and recommendations. (80%)

A recorded oral presentation of your work which can also be used to demonstrate any practical products/applications/experiments that have formed part of the project. (20%)


This assesses MLO1-MLO5 inclusive.

Formative assessment will take place through the completion of an initial research proposal. You will be given formative feedback on this.

You will receive ongoing formative feedback as you progress through your research report.

Criteria will be provided to enable you to understand what is expected in the assignment and how you will be assessed on your performance.

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The Research Project constitutes the final part of your MSc programme. You will be expected to demonstrate a disciplined approach to the application of Computer Science research, skills and theory to a relevant problem. You will select a research project that has a clearly defined deliverable; this may take a number of forms from an identifiable product to a set of experimental or case study results. It will be developed using a professional and systematic research approach and methods that build on the skills and expertise you have gained during your studies.