Ethics Application

In this part of the module, you will complete and submit a ‘Project Fundamentals Form’. This will
require you to:
• Specify a project title and write a description of your project (up to 300 words)
• Draft a plan for carrying out your project (up to 500 words)
• Respond to questions/activities relating to your study of the module content
• Successfully complete the ‘Ethics Application Form’.
In the case that you wish to undertake a ‘Student Initiated Project’ you will also be expected to
complete a ‘Proposal Form’ and discuss the matter with the Academic Associate (tutor).
The Research Proposal should not be more than 1500 words including references, tables and
figures. The proposal should cover the following sections:
• Title
• Aim and Objectives
• Brief review of Literature
• Outline of study design and methods
• Research Ethics
• References (Harvard referencing style)
A brief note on each of the sections is provided below.
Title, aim and objectives
State the succinct title, aim and objectives of the work and provide adequate background of the
research area. Avoid providing a detailed literature review. This section should also clearly identify
the scope of the study.
Literature Review
Provide a brief note on the existing literature on your area of research. Critically examine the
existing studies and avoid providing a descriptive analysis. Drawing from the literature review,
you are expected to propose the research gap and the rationale of conducting your study. The
research gap should be followed by the research questions that you propose to examine or
explore. Research hypothesis and propositions should be clearly stated in this section.
Study Design and Methods
This section has two sub-parts i) Data and ii) Methodology. The former subsection should clearly
state the data that will be used in conducting the research. It should also state the sampling
techniques, biases and how and from where you plan to collect the data. The latter section should report the proposed methodology that will be employed in the study. The methodology can either
qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods.
This section should include a project plan including/identifying the dates and/or weeks when you
wish to complete the research project. This will enable the supervisors to provide valuable and
critical feedback on time, which could be implemented in improving the quality of the project.
Referencing
The Research Proposal should be properly referenced based on the Harvard referencing style.
Coursework 1 Marking Criteria
The table below provides the marking scheme for the Research Proposal.
Assessment Criteria Mark
1.Title, Aim and objectives
Clearly stated title, aim and objectives. Demonstrated relevance. Feasibility and
rationale for study.
/ 10
2. Literature Review
Critical search and assessment of relevant literature. Awareness of contribution of
other researchers. Awareness of relevant concepts. Direct linkages to dissertation
aims and objectives identified.
/ 30
3. Study design and Methods
Appropriate research question is proposed. Gap identified in existing research.
Choice and use of research methods are appropriate to the aims and objectives.
A project plan highlights key dates, and milestones are identified. Any issues
highlighted.
/ 30
4. Ethical considerations
The ethics form is complete, highlighting any potential ethics issues.
/ 20
5. Structure & Presentation
Organisation and layout of material; style including spelling and grammar; Use of
material, bibliography and citation. Appropriate use of appendices; the flow of
work. Adherence to word count.
/ 10TOTA