Dissertation
18 Credits (ECTS)
Dissertation
Get 70% back via Tax Credit
€525 refund on this module
Module Description
The dissertation stands as an obligatory component of the BSc in Nursing (top up) program. Its primary objective is to generate an original research piece on a precisely defined topic.
Additionally, the dissertation serves to facilitate students’ deeper comprehension, proficiency, and attitudes within the program’s framework.
Through rigorous research and scholarly inquiry, students not only contribute to the academic discourse but also enhance their analytical abilities, critical thinking skills, and professional acumen.
By immersing themselves in a comprehensive exploration of nursing topics, students emerge equipped with the expertise and insights necessary to address complex healthcare challenges and drive positive change within the nursing profession.
Entry Requirements
- Candidates who apply for this course must possess a qualification equivalent to a Higher Diploma (120 ECTS) in Nursing accredited at MQF 5.
- Preference will be given to prospective applicants having a year of work experience related to the study programme.
Target Audience
- This programme is targeted at nurses who are registered with the Council for Nurses and Midwives Malta and/or other registering bodies.
Module / Unit Instruction
The student is to produce an original piece of research on a clearly defined topic. It is the most substantial piece of independent research work done by the student and may not be shorter than 12,000 words and not to exceed 15,000 words.
The student will receive the support of the assigned Dissertation Supervisor during that period.
Dissertation Supervisors will be industry professionals and practitioners with related experience.
Role of Dissertation Supervisor:
- Help decide the topic of the 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 the student drafts, which you 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.
Additionally, the student will be provided with a manual/guideline for the submission of the research proposal and dissertation to be presented during Research Methods module and one more time at the beginning of this component.
Recommneded Research Methodologies are:
- Literature Review
- Quantitative Research
- Qualitative Research
- Mixed Methods.
How you’ll be assessed
This module shall be assessed through a dissertation not shorter than 12,000 words and no longer than 15,000 words to be submitted via an online portal.
Dissertation Grading Structure:
- Between 86 and over – Pass with Distinction.
- Between 71-85 – Pass with Credit.
- Between 56 to 70 – Pass with Merit.
- Between 41 and 55 – Pass.
- 40 and less– Fail.
Additional Info
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be eligible for a 70% refund of the cost through the ‘Get Qualified’ scheme.**
Due to the modular structure of the course, you may also opt to take individual modules as stand-alone. The entry requirements still apply.***
*Prices are applicable to students who reside in Malta at the time of applying.
**Terms and conditions apply.
Learning Outcomes
Competences:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:
1: Establishing a Research Territory
- Show that the general research area is essential, central, interesting, problematic, or relevant.
- Present and review items of previous research in the area.
- Be conscious and responsible for the ethical aspects of research and development work.
2: Creating a Niche
- Indicate a gap in the previous research, or extend prior knowledge in some way.
- Contribute to research and development work.
3: Occupying the Niche
- Outline purposes or state the nature of the present research.
- Comply research questions or hypotheses.
- Announce principal findings.
- State the value of the present research.
Knowledge:
Students will be able to critically analyse the rationale, significance and implications of the following topics:
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Mix Methods
- Topic Selection
- Research Questions and Hypothesis
- Structure of the research paper
Skills:
At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:
- Identify a research problem with a managerial perspective within the environment.
- Relate the 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 comprehensive overview of the background to the problem.
- Compile relevant historical and currently available literature / secondary information in and around the field of study.
Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences
The learner will be able to:
- Navigate through the online learning platform to find assignments, discussion boards, literature, tutorials etc.