University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Code: USPJG8-60-M Title: Counselling Psychology Dissertation

Version: 1

Level: M UWE credit rating: 60 ECTS credit rating: 30

Module type: Project

Owning Faculty: Applied Sciences Field: Psychology

Valid from: September 2004 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: Research Methods in Counselling Psychology

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• Demonstrate in-depth expertise in a chosen area of Counselling Psychology

• Demonstrate technical expertise in carrying out an independent research project in Counselling Psychology.

• Demonstrate comprehensive research communication skills.

Syllabus outline:

The above will be achieved by:

1. Carrying out an appropriate literature review.

2. Identifying a research question.

3. Selecting and justifying an appropriate method of enquiry.

4. Designing and carrying out an independent research project.

5. Analysing and interpreting research findings.

6. In the context of published research, writing a report which demonstrates in-depth understanding of ones chosen area of study.

A specialist area of study will be selected by the student with the support of a supervisor.

Research methods advice appropriate to the area of study will be available.

In addition, there will be a programme of research seminars with invited speakers.

Teaching and learning methods:

Each student will be allocated a research supervisor.

Supervision will be on an individual basis and these may be supported by small group meetings from time to time.

Research workshops will be offered on particular approaches as appropriate.

Reading Strategy

All students will be encouraged to make full use of the print and electronic resources available to them through membership of the University. These include a range of electronic journals and a wide variety of resources available through web sites and information gateways. The University Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant resources and services, and to the library catalogue. Many resources can be accessed remotely. Students will be presented with opportunities within the curriculum to develop their information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to identify such resources effectively.

This guidance will be available either in the module handbook, via the module information on UWEonline or through any other vehicle deemed appropriate by the module/programme leaders.

Bensley A [1998] Critical Thinking in Psychology: A unified skills approach London, International Thomson Publishing

Darlington Y & Scott D [2002] Qualitative Research in Practice Maidenhead, OUP

Denzin NK & Lincoln YS [2003] Strategies of Qualitative Enquiry London, Sage

Giltrow J [1995] Academic Writing Ontario, Baltimore.

Hague, P & Roberts, K. [1994] Presentations and report writing. Kogan Press.

Luey B [1995] Handbook for academic Authors Cambrideg, University Press.

McLeod J [2003] Doing Counselling Research 2nd ed. London, Sage

McLeod J [2001] Qualitative Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy London, Sage

McLeod J [1999] Practitioner Research in Counselling London, Sage

Morse J.M. [1997] Completing a Qualitative Project: Details and Dialogue London, Sage.

Rosnow R [1997] Writing Papers in Psychology London, International Thomson Publishing.


Smith JA [2003] Qualitative Psychology: A Practical Guide to Research Methods London, Sage

Yin RK [2003] Case Study Research: Design and Methods London, Sage

Assessment

Weighting between components A and B A: 100% B: %

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A Element weighting

DIS

Dissertation (15,000 words)

8

OP1

Poster Presentation

2

     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

     
   

     
 

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes? No

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

DIS

Dissertation (15,000 words)

8

OP1

Poster Presentation

2

     
 

 

Component B

Description of each element Element weighting

     
     
     
 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes? No

Specification confirmed by …………………………………………………Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)

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