Research Thesis (Part 1)

Unit code: ASA6003 | Study level: Postgraduate
Credit points
24
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
City Campus
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
AAA5002 - Research Methods
Students must have scored 75% or above in AAA5002 Research Methods in order to undertake ASA6003 Research Thesis (Part 1) and ASA6004 Research Thesis (Part 2).
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
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Overview

This unit of study is the first part of the Research Thesis and provides students the opportunity, under guidance from a supervisor, to develop a research question to write a thesis on topics related to community development or digital media. The final topic will be negotiated between the student and supervisor and will be a research area within the field of community development or digital media either in Australian and/or international context. The research will usually be text-based but may include fieldwork to gather data. The student who undertakes fieldwork must demonstrate a high-level knowledge of ethical fieldwork procedures and seek timely Human Ethics approval. A supervisor is allocated to each student. Students are required to submit a completed research thesis of 15,000-20,000 words by the end of Research Thesis (Part 2).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Exemplify collaborative and ethical conduct in research and communicating research outcomes;
  2. Conduct a substantial independent research project under supervision with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability;
  3. Critically review relevant and current principal scholarly literature/s relating to the thesis topic;
  4. Interrogate and challenge complex information, and synthesise a range of conceptual and empirical materials to draw defensible conclusions; and
  5. Authoritatively and effectively elucidate structured, coherent ideas in a written composition (or a negotiated alternative if choosing a creative work option) at a standard acceptable for academic peer review.
  6. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 100%
Submission of research proposal.
Assessment type: Other
|
Grade: 0%
Evidence of completion of the Academic Integrity Modules

Hurdle: Students are required to submit a research proposal for approval to the supervisor. Where applicable application for Human Ethics should be made and approved to enable data collection between semesters. A progress report signed by the student and supervisor is submitted to the Unit Convener for approval.

Required reading

Texts and other resources will be advised by the supervisor.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Master of Digital Media
AMDM | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years
Master of International Community Development
AMCD | Masters (coursework) degree | Duration: 2 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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