Research Thesis (Part 2)

Unit code:ASA6004Study level:Postgraduate

Credit points

24
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)

Location

City Campus

Prerequisites

ASA6003 - Research Thesis (Part 1)
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)

Overview

This unit of study follows Research Thesis (Part 1) and provides students the opportunity, under guidance from an individual supervisor, to progress in the research process and management. Further to developing a research question, undertaking a literature review and designing the study with an approved Human Ethics approval (where required), the student will undertake data analysis and its management, and draft the study report which goes to the final thesis. Students, undertaking creative/practical work, can include their project work with the word count. This is an opportunity for learners to demonstrate they are able to conduct ethical studies in the d fields of community development or digital media, interpret the findings and communicate them to various audiences. Again, this part of the research thesis aligns with AQF standards at this level and is deemed as contributing towards a ready practitioner embedded in a community of practice in international community development or digital media. A supervisor is allocated to each student.

Learning Outcomes

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

Exemplify collaborative and ethical conduct in research and communicating research outcomes;
Conduct a substantial independent research project under supervision with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability;
Critically review relevant and current principal scholarly literature/s relating to the thesis topic;
Interrogate and challenge complex information, and synthesise a range of conceptual and empirical materials to draw defensible conclusions; and
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.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Thesis | Grade: 100%

Research thesis of 15,000 - 20,000 words

The minor thesis will be no less than 15,000 or more than 20,000 words (or a negotiated alternative if choosing a creative work option). Examination of the minor thesis will be conducted by one external examiner and one internal examiner at the completion of this unit. The supervisor will not be the examiner. The examiners will mark and grade the minor thesis report. The final mark will be determined as average between the two marks. In the case of 30 points or above discrepancy in the examiners’ marking, a third examiner will be appointed to determine the final mark.