MN5619 Research Project September 2025/26 | Brunel University

MN5619 Research Project

Learning Outcomes

(A)Knowledge and Understanding

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding in research design
2. Critically evaluate a range of research processes and research methods
3. Creatively apply appropriate methodologies to research

(B)Cognitive (thinking) Skills

1. To assemble, critically analyse and assimilate relevant background materials to identify and formulate the problem to solve.
2. To critically plan and execute a detailed project plan and methodology.
3. To critically discuss, evaluate and review relevant literature.
4. To demonstrate knowledge in a range of research designs and methodologies
5. To critically design and perform suitable data collection.
6. To evaluate the data collected and justify conclusions reached.

(C)Other Skills and Attributes (Practical/Professional/Transferable)

1. To present the research findings and evaluate the project.
2. To demonstrate Report writing skills
3. To work independently and demonstrate self- direction

Assessment Overview

The Research Project is designed to be a student-led, research-based module, which aims to provide students with relevant academic and transferable skills. Practical skills and experience are important to career development, and as such, this module has been designed with particular emphasis on developing relevant practical skills linked to your careers. This module aims to encourage deep learning and reflection, and therefore facilitates an independent learning approach, as a level of autonomy in learning needs to be achieved by the students themselves. It aims to motivate you to continuously acquire knowledge about contemporary theories, models, and complex

research practices. You will need to understand and apply knowledge through interpretation of material, critical analysis, and evaluation to develop a comprehensive research paper.
Key Components and Task:

The final assessment for this module is to undertake a self-led research project which is presented as a manuscript, formatted and fully referenced, according to the style appropriate to a proposed journal in a publishable format for the work. 100% (3000-5000 words).

The final assessment submission should include the following within a single pdf file:

• Introduction
• Literature Review
• Research Design / Methodology
• Analysis, Findings, and Discussion
• Conclusions and Recommendations

You will also need to include:

• Title page
• Abstract of the research
• Author's declarations, including statement of originality
• Acknowledgements
• Table of contents
• List of tables
• List of figures
• List of appendices
• References
• Appendices

Special Instructions:

• Within your Appendices please include a copy of your approved ethics forms
• You should select a suitable journal for your subject area to which you would wish to submit your work. These could include:

• Please include the title of the journal you are targeting on your title page Submission deadline: 11:59 am (midday) UK time Thursday, 8th January 2026 Submission Method: via the WISEflow platform
  Late submission rules: as per the University’s policy Relevant Programme regulation: Senate Regulations 3 Provision of formative assessment: Not applicable.

Marking criteria: attached (Annex I)

Provisional Grade Release Date: 5th March 2026

Students must type the assessment using a word processing program like Microsoft Word (not hand- written). Once you've completed your document, save it as a PDF file (please do not scan your assessment) to upload in WISEflow. This step is essential to ensure our software can accurately detect any similarities and uphold academic integrity.
** All submissions will be electronically checked for plagiarism. **It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of polices and practice on good academic practice and plagiarism. You can find more information about this in the Senate Regulations: Senate-Regulation-6-2020-07-01.pdf (brunel.ac.uk).

Annex I: Brunel University Generic Masters-level Grade Descriptors

These generic grade descriptors are intended to be used as a tool throughout the assessment process (in assessment design, marking/grading, moderation, feedback and appraisal) for any assessment set at Masters Level in the University. They are designed to show no disciplinary bias and are not intended to act as surrogate award or award classification descriptors. The grade descriptors should be read in conjunction with the learning outcomes associated with the assessment.

Grade A++

Work of exceptionally high quality, commensurate with publication in a highly esteemed peer-reviewed journal. Clearly demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the topic. Provides clear evidence of originality and clearly demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, highly systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates exceptional ability in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Shows exceptional clarity, focus and cogency in communication.

Grade Band A (A+, A, A-)

Clearly demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the topic. Provides evidence of originality of thought and clearly demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, highly systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates excellence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Shows excellent clarity, focus and cogency in communication.

Grade Band B (B+, B, B-)

Clearly demonstrates a well-developed, critical and comprehensive understanding of the topic. Clearly demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates a high degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Shows a high level of clarity, focus and cogency in communication.

Grade Band C (C+, C, C-)

Demonstrates a critical and substantial understanding of the topic. Demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates a significant degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Provides evidence of clarity, focus and cogency in communication.

Grade Band D (D+, D, D-)

Provides evidence of some critical understanding of the topic. Demonstrates some ability to develop a structured argument or evaluation. Demonstrates an acceptable degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise, but not at Masters Level. Provides evidence of effective communication.

Grade Band E (E+, E, E-)

Work that demonstrates significant weaknesses, but which provides strong evidence that Grade D is within the reach of the student.

Grade F

Work that is unacceptable.

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