MSc Research Project Coursework Brief 2025 | BU

Task:

Two parts of the Research Project need to be submitted together at the same time: The Dissertation (7, 000-word limit) and a Lay Summary Statement (1, 000- word limit), explaining your research and findings to a lay audience of non-specialists. The Dissertation word limit excludes: the abstract, all tables and figures (and captions), the reference list, the appendices, and acknowledgements. Please note that the word limit cannot be extended for either part. If you exceed either of the two word limits (even by a single word), 10 marks will be deducted from your final mark.

Your assignment should be saved in Word or PDF format and submitted electronically through Brightspace to Turnitin as a single file.

The assignment should be formatted and referenced according to APA-style (7th edition).

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the file containing your assignment has been confirmed as submitted to Turnitin and that it is valid (it is not corrupted and can be opened) by the submission deadline. If the submitted file cannot be opened by the marking team, the submission will fail with a mark of You are advised to give yourself plenty of time before the submission deadline to make sure the file has been submitted and is valid. You must keep a copy of the file you submit.

Special requirements:   The submission will also need to include the Dissertation declaration form, research project proposal, and ethics confirmation.

Intended learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of key aspects of a particular area of psychology, including the acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge and understanding of current developments in a specific area of psychology.

2. Demonstrate skills and ethically appropriate techniques and analysis required for effective research in the topic area of the MSc programme of study.

3. Synthesise both practical and theoretical issues to address a clearly defined research question and to identify and reflect on the contribution of the findings to the specific field of psychology.

4. Demonstrate the ability to document their research in a manner consistent with an acceptable level of academic credibility and quality consistent with an MSc degree award.

How will this be assessed?

This assignment will be assessed for its ability to meet the broad Level 7 assessment criteria: Link to assessment criteria. (/shared/CustomWidgets/unit_links/gac.html) The submitted assessment will be reviewed independently by a minimum of two teaching staff, who will agree upon a final grade for the submission.

Mark and feedback return date: 02/09/2025

Academic Integrity

The work you submit must be your own. Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage in your assessment by cheating, deception or fraud is considered an academic offence. The 'Assessment help and support section of the unit (found under 'Assessment' in the content area) provides more guidance on avoiding academic offences, including any guidance on what will or will not be considered an academic offence in this specific assessment.

Help and support

The 'Assessment help and support' section of the unit (found under 'Assessment' in the content area) provides information and guidance, including specific information on support for this assessment. It provides help with our policies on deadline extensions and information on support available in the university, including academic skills support and additional learning support for students with disabilities.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this coursework brief is correct at the time of publication. In the unlikely event that any changes are deemed necessary, they will be communicated clearly via e-mail and via the VLE, and a new version of this coursework brief will be made available.