Study information

Independent Study - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLEIndependent Study CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM3439DA MODULE CONVENERDr James Penman (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 10
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
The IT field is broad and no course can hope to address all aspects of professional IT as it is practised today. You are likely to encounter subjects that are of interest but not covered in detail by the course. This module offers a way for you to explore subjects that are of interest to you in a self-directed manner. After choosing this module you will select a topic to investigate. The mode of investigation can take a number of forms; supervision will be provided by the module lead who can offer guidance in the selection of a suitable topic and will help you to structure your investigations. At the end of your study you will document your findings in a report and outline them in a presentation. The topic of study should not be one that is covered in other modules, and it should be different from the topics you address in the reflective practice and synoptic project modules.
AIMS - intentions of the module
This module allows you to investigate and write about a topic of interest in depth.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Conduct effective research, using literature and other media, into IT and business related topics.
2. Be fluent in written communications, able to articulate complex issues.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

3. Make concise, engaging and well-structured verbal presentations, arguments and explanations.
4. Further learning outcomes for the module will be agreed in advance between the apprentice, employer and academic mentor. The learning outcomes to be achieved will depend on the chosen topic, but will be broadly in line with the outcomes documented for the apprentice’s occupational specialism. Any form of investigation or research will be permitted, provided that it is appropriate for the topic in question and the apprentice can make a case successfully to the employer and academic mentor.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

5. Communicate orally and in writing
6. Think analytically and critically
7. Organise your own work
8. Work to a deadline
9. Make decisions
10. Conduct independent research.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Independent study

•          Choosing a topic
•          Methods of investigation
•          Conducting your study
•          Interpreting results
•          Writing up
•          Presenting your results

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 0 Guided Independent Study 150 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Guided independent study 150 Independent research; meetings with module lead
     
     

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Proposal 2 pages 1-2, 5-10 Written
Module lead discussions Every 2-3 weeks 1-10 Oral
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Report 75 7,000 words 1-10 Written
Presentation and oral exam 25 25 minutes 1-10 Oral
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Report, presentation and oral exam Report (100%) All Referral/deferral period
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be deferred in the assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
 
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you may be required to sit a referral. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

  • Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P., Thornhill, A. Research Methods for Business Student, 6th, Pearson, 2012, 9780273750758.

ELE:

  • ELE.

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 30th September 2025 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 8th October 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Independent study

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.