This course will be 'self-paced' through a structured reading and discussion program. The principal supervisor will actively oversee the work. Candidates will be expected to prepare written responses to the readings and to engage in regular discussion with peers, particularly through candidate-led theory seminars.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Identify research theories and methodologies/methods, and their associated means of analysis, particularly those relevant to students’ disciplines and research projects (Assessment 1 & 3)
2. Critique and evaluated content from readings they engage with (All assessments)
3. Discuss and justify their thoughts on the theories, methodologies/methods and their associated means of analysis with peers. (Assessment 2)
4. Write a critical analysis and reflection on research theories and methodology for a typical research thesis.

• 40%, 6 x 500 words, written responses to each of the readings (assessed by the principal supervisor) comprised of:

1. 2 responses to compulsory readings
2. 2 responses to selected readings from a given list
3. 2 responses to self-selected readings  

• 10%, discussions with peers.

• 50%, 3000 words completion of a draft of the ”theory and methodology” chapter or equivalent, roughly the third chapter slot of a typical thesis structure 

10 hours per week of reading, writing and discussion.

Enrolment in a CASS HDR program

Enrolment in a CASS HDR program

Students need access to a computer and the internet; distance students will require a broadband connection.