2 Purpose and Scope

Firstly, Staffordshire University School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Sport and Exercise Department would like to congratulate students on reaching this educational milestone. Less than 50% of students continue to higher education, and even fewer reach the final year of study; For that, students should be immensely proud. Many students discover this to be the most challenging year of education and we, therefore, encourage students to consider carefully how they approach this academic year.

The research project is an important component of most undergraduate degree courses and is one that is both intellectually stimulating and rewarding. The project requires students to work independently to demonstrate knowledge and understanding in a specific area pertinent to their field of study. By undertaking research, students will evidence their ability to plan, implement and report the findings of a project, as well as their ability to identify, extract, critique and synthesis the work of already published authors.

This guide is one of many resources available to students during the planning, implementation, and write up of the Level 6 Research Project in the Staffordshire University School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Sport and Exercise Department. Its primary purpose is to provide a single reference point for information pertaining to the Level 6 Personal and Professional Module (Research Project) - including formal assessment details, deadlines and procedures, and informal project milestones, advice and guidance.

Students are encouraged to read this document carefully before beginning the module/research project. We would strongly advise students to download a copy of this document for remote access and quick reference.

This guide should be used in conjunction with supplementary resources available via the institutional virtual learning environment (research project templates, checklists and guidelines) and information, guidance and support provided to students by the module delivery team and project supervisor. Research is a “neutral, systematic, planned, and multiple-step process that uses previously discovered facts to advance knowledge that does not exist in the literature” (EROL, 2017). It is therefore expected that each students project will differ based on their exposure to the literature, experience in the field, and area of interest. Because of this the module typically requires individualised advice and guidance. While this guide offers general advice and guidance, students are strongly encouraged to engage with their allocated supervisor for individualised advice and guidance.

Most of a student’s contact and the majority of their queries will be addressed by the project supervisor. There may, however, be instances where general questions cannot be answered by the supervisor. In these instances, a student can address their questions to the module lead. The details of the current module lead are provided below.

Module Lead: Edward Stanhope Email: edward.stanhope@staffs.ac.uk Office: Ashley One, Sport Office Leek Road Stoke on Trent ST4 2DF

NB: Please include the students name, supervisor name and course details in the subject of any email correspondence [James Smith, Stephen Bateman, Sports Therapy]

Staffordshire University School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Sport and Exercise Department and I wish students the best of luck with their project.