An overview of the general requirements

As part of master’s degree courses students have the opportunity to conduct independent research and write it up as a dissertation. The aims of the dissertation are to:

• • • Provide an opportunity to pursue an independent project in a public health/mental health/health-related area depending on the programme you are undertaking.

    • Allow you to apply the research methodologies, skills and knowledge acquired from taught modules to a substantive piece of work.

For the Masters of Public Health and Health Research the learning outcomes are: 

• • • Systematically plan and structure a public health project.

    • Select and apply appropriate research methodologies to design and conduct an independent piece of research including a systematic literature review or critical review of the literature.

    • Be able to formulate and refine research questions.

    • Demonstrate an ability to source relevant information related to their dissertation topic.

    • Critically appraise and interpret existing literature.

    • Organise and structure research findings.

    • Demonstrate the ability to communicate and present research.

    • Demonstrate the ability to present complex arguments and synthesise complex ideas.

    • Critically evaluate their own work.

    • Organise and manage workload effectively.

And for the MSc in Mental Health Research:

• • • Critically examine the evidence base for mental health research and practice, using this analysis to formulate research questions.

    • Understand how to plan and structure an independent research project in the field of mental health.

    • Work independently with the support of supervisors to manage a challenging, complex and extended piece of work.

    • Critically appraise current evidence and literature, applying this knowledge to the chosen area of mental health research.

    • Demonstrate the ability to think through different methodological approaches, employing approaches relevant to the topic being researched.

    • Demonstrate synthesis in the interpretation of findings, drawing conclusions that add to the existing knowledge base.

    • Demonstrate the ability to organise time and workload effectively to complete the project.

References

• University of York “Guide to Assessment, Standards Marking and Feedback

• Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education “Characteristics Statement Master’s Degree”