Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE DST5108

 
TITLE Research Skills

 
UM LEVEL 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course

 
MQF LEVEL 7

 
ECTS CREDITS 2

 
DEPARTMENT Diplomatic Studies

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit provides the students with the necessary set of skills and practices needed to write a dissertation/research paper. These include the drafting of a clear title and focused research question which the student must answer in the course of writing. This unit also engages students in skills pertaining to various research methodologies, sources, as well as the drawing up of a reference list and other formal requirements.

Study-Unit Aims:

- To introduce the students to the skills required for writing and researching effectively.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Identify a focused research title and research question;
-become familiar with different research methodologies.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Identify and evaluate different sources and resources;
- Write academic papers concisely and precisely.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

All texts are available at MEDAC Library

- Alderson, J., & Poole, M. (2002). Assignment and Thesis Writing (4th ed.). Wiley.
- Mounsey, C. (2002). Essays and Dissertations. Oxford University Press.
- Strunck, W., & White, E.B. (1999). The Elements of Style (4th ed.). Pearson.
- Wisken, G. (2007). The Postgraduate Research Handbook. Palgrave.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Report YR Yes 50%
Presentation SEM2 Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Stephen Calleya
Derek Lutterbeck (Co-ord.)
Lourdes Pullicino

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit