Chapter 2 Purpose and Scope

Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your education! As students of the School of Health, Education, Policing, and Sciences—specifically within the Sport and Science Department—you are among a select group. Less than 50% of students continue to higher education, and even fewer reach the final year of study. This achievement is something to be immensely proud of.

The final year is often the most challenging part of your academic journey. We encourage you to carefully consider how you approach this year, especially as you tackle the Independent Investigational Project or Dissertation.

The independent investigational project/dissertation 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 several resources available to support you during the planning, implementation, and write-up of your Level 6 Independent Investigational Project. It serves as a central reference for all the essential information you need, including formal assessment details, deadlines, procedures, and informal project milestones.

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.

Please read this document carefully before starting your module or research project. Most of your questions will be addressed by your designated project supervisor. However, if you have general questions that your supervisor cannot answer, you can reach out to the module lead. Contact details for the current module lead are provided below.

Module Lead: Edward Stanhope Email: edward.stanhope@staffs.ac.uk Office: R112 Science Centre 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, Rebecca Warnett, Sports Therapy]

Staffordshire University school of Health, Education, Policing and Sciences, Sport and Science Department