Nursing Dissertation
20 Credits (ECTS)
Nursing Dissertation
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
€280 refund on this module
Module Description
The aim of the dissertation for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science is to produce an original piece of research on a clearly defined topic.
This process enables students to develop deeper knowledge, understanding, capabilities, and attitudes within the context of their nursing studies.
By engaging in independent research, students enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills, contributing valuable insights to the field of nursing. The dissertation serves as a culmination of their academic journey, reflecting their ability to conduct significant research and apply their findings to improve nursing practice and patient care.
Entry Requirements
Candidates who apply for this course will need to possess:
- Two A-levels, one of them preferably being in a science subject, or an equivalent qualification at MQF Level 4 (for example, a Level 4 Diploma in Applied Science).
- Either Biology or Chemistry or Health & Social Care at Intermediate level.
OR
- At least 1 of the following: Biology, Chemistry, or Health & Social Care at level 4 (advanced or intermediate)
- and at least 3 of the following: Physics, Sociology, Psychology, English, Maltese or Mathematics at level 4 (advanced or intermediate).
Applicants will also need to:
- Demonstrate proficiency in English language by a valid International English Language Testing System level at overall level 6 or Occupational English Test with B in speaking and C+ in writing or Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate (MATSEC) pass at Grade 3 or better in English Language.
- Prior to commence the enrolling in any nursing programme, students should provide evidence of a clean conduct published by the respective police force or authority.
- In the case of those students who do not possess a Level 4 qualification, but who have a substantial amount of experience in the care industry and who possess O-level standard education, ca n be accepted into this Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science, on the condition that they undergo and acquire a pass in a Level 4 preparatory programme offered by IDEA College.
Furthermore, these students shall also undergo a RPL process in order to verify their work experience. Link to RPL Policy and Process: https://mt.ideaeducation.com/app/uploads/2022/09/Doc_007_22-Recognition-of-Prior-Learning-Policy-and-Process.pdf
Target Audience
This programme targets:
- Students who have completed their post-secondary education and would like to pursue a tertiary-level education in nursing.
- Older adults who have worked in different environments, but mostly in the care industry, who are interested in pursuing a programme in nursing.
- Individuals who are qualified in areas related to healthcare such as podiatry and physiotherapy and who are looking for or considering a career change in nursing.
Module / Unit Instructions
Students will engage in group lectures which will revise and consolidate the learning introduced in module 6, Research Methods and Evidence for Nursing Practice.
Student will also receive support of an assigned Dissertation Supervisor during that period. Students can meet with the supervisor face-to-face in person or online or communicate via email or phone calls.
The Dissertation Supervisor will:
- Help decide the topic of dissertation and advise about primary and secondary reading.
- Help with formulating ideas and hypotheses.
- Discuss the progress of work with students.
- Offer guidance on the proposed structure.
- Require students to produce drafts of sections or chapters of the dissertation.
- Offer feedback on some of student drafts, which students can then revise.
- Advise about the organisation of dissertation into sections or chapters.
- Advise about matters of presentation, such as the title page, contents page, pagination, footnoting and bibliography.
How you’ll be assessed
- Formative: The module will contain formative assessment in the form of ongoing review and feedback on chapter drafts as students’ progress.
- Summative: Submission of a structured dissertation. Word count range: 12,000 ± 10%
Dissertation Grading Structure:
- Between 86 and over – Pass with Distinction.
- Between 71 to 85 – Pass with Credit.
- Between 60 to 70 – Pass with Merit.
- Between 50 to 59 – Pass.
- 49 and less– Fail.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
- Critically analyse the literature evidence on a particular topic relevant to nursing.
- Identify a gap in knowledge as a starting point for research and formulate a research question.
- Appraise a range of methodological designs to determine an appropriate approach that can effectively address the research question.
- Undertake a substantive piece of research and consider its implications for nursing practice, policy education, and research.
- Demonstrate awareness of ethical research practice.
Knowledge:
By the end of this module the student will have been exposed to the following indicative content:
- Critically analyse the literature evidence on a particular topic relevant to nursing.
- Identify a gap in knowledge as a starting point for research and formulate a research question.
- Appraise a range of methodological designs to determine an appropriate approach that can effectively address the research question.
- Undertake a substantive piece of research and consider its implications for nursing practice, policy education, and research.
- Demonstrate awareness of ethical research practice.
Skills:
By the end of this module, the students will be able to:
- Identify a research problem.
- Relate problem to some relevant theory studied in this programme.
- Formulate the research problem precisely.
- Explain the significance of the study.
- Generate interest in the problem by giving a detailed overview of the background to the problem.
- Compile relevant historic and currently available literature/secondary information in and around the field of study.
- Appraise the quality of published research using validated tools such as CASP.
- Use a range of verbal and written communication skills to provide a rationale for choice of study.
Module-Specific Learner Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to
- Present own discussion and developments in a logical and organised manner through approaches of critical feedback and self-reflection.
- Engage with peers and/or team members to share and reflect on own development.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences:
At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials, etc.