QU034644 Research Skills for Computer Science Assignment Brief 2025-26

QU034644 Learning Outcomes

• Understand research methods and their uses.
• Be able to plan a research project.
• Be able to carry out a research project.
• Be able to produce a report on research using a standard format.
• Be able to evaluate a research project.

Assessment Criteria

• Explain the use of different research methods for a specific research purpose.
• Establish research aims related to the research topic.
• Produce a detailed research proposal with specific timescales and milestones for completion of the research.
• Justify its relevance for the subject area.
• Carry out research that adheres to:      

 a) the research proposal. 
b) ethical guidelines. 
c) agreed timescales.

• Report on research using a standard format.
• Evaluate findings in relation to the research aims.
• Use an accepted method of referencing source material.
• Evaluate a research proposal and its procedures.
• Evaluate methods used to research the subject area.

Details of Assignment Requirements Mapped to Assessment Criteria

There are FIVE tasks to complete. 

You are required to plan, carry out and evaluate a research project on a topic relevant to your Access to HE Diploma. Your tutor will check in with your progress. They must approve your proposal before you may carry out your research.

Task 1

Produce a detailed research proposal that establishes your research aims for the chosen topic, with a justification of its relevance to the subject area. Your tutor must approve this before commencing your study. The word count is 500 words (+/- 10%). (AC2.1, 2.2, 2.3)

Task 2

Develop a research diary to include with your proposal to evidence specific timescales and milestones for the completion of your research. The word count is 500 words (+/- 10%). (AC2.2

Task 3

Once your research proposal has been approved by your tutor, carry out your research project. This must adhere to the research proposal, ethical guidelines and within the timeframe indicated within your research diary. (AC3.1)

Task 4

Produce a report using the standard format below:

• Introduction
• Literature Review- including an explanation of different research methods used in your subject area (AC1.1)
• Methodology- outlining how you will carry out the research and justifying your method.
• Results (Data)- this will be in tables/graph format.
• Evaluation of findings in relation to the research aims.
• Conclusion

Throughout your report, you must consistently reference sources used, using an accepted method of referencing. The word count is 1500 words (+/- 10%). (AC1.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3)

Task 5

Evaluate your proposal and its procedures, and evaluate the methods you used in your research project. The word count is 250 words (+/- 10%). (AC5.1, 5.2)

Grading

If you achieve all assessment criteria listed above, you will be awarded a Pass. To gain a Merit or Distinction, your work must match the performance described below.

Additional Guidance