Overview

Students who have completed four taught mindfulness-based modules, and wish to proceed to a full MSc degree in Mindfulness-Based Approaches, are invited to submit a thesis with a maximum of 10,000 words. Previous academic or practical scientific research, and the completion of the module PMP-4004 - Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Research module (or a postgraduate degree including empirical research) are prerequisites for the MSc Thesis. Students should have a continuing interest in researching mindfulness-based approaches within their professional role. Working with a personal supervisor, students will design, conduct, analyse and complete an empirical or theoretical research study into Mindfulness-Based Approaches in an area of their choice, informed by the relevant research literature on mindfulness and its clinical applications. The study will generally be carried out in students’ workplaces, in consultation with their supervisor. The thesis will describe the basis and methods of the study, and the analysis and interpretation of the data.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50%Attempts to answer the question directly but lapses occasionally into irrelevancies. - Generally accurate but some omissions and errors. - Tends to make assertions without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. - Has a somewhat loose line of argument; gives information that is mostly relevant but often does not explain why it is relevant. - Often relies on the reader to form links between successive parts. - Answer based largely on lecture material or on one or two essential readings. - Descriptive in style and approach, more than analytic.Reasonably comprehensive coverage, indicating generally accurate understanding, based on lecture material and core readings only. Limited critical appraisal. Straightforward research proposal for thesis. -good -60%All or most parts of the assignment question are answered. - Appropriate and accurate use of language, with very few errors. - Mostly clear line of argument and structure; so relationships between successive parts are generally easy to follow. - Integrates detail into a coherent whole and guides reader to a reasoned conclusion. - Good understanding of the material as demonstrated by a reasonably clear explanation of the issues in question. - Supports most assertions via theoretical justification and/or reference to relevant empirical research, showing evidence of some reading beyond the information given in lecture. - Fairly comprehensive in scope and largely relevant to the topic and issues. - Explanatory in style and approach, with some critical interpretation. - Good range of sources and data and careful use of evidence.Comprehensive and accurate coverage, showing good use of lecture material and core readings, with evidence of some further reading, and demonstrating ability to appraise the evidence scientifically. Shows understanding of research methods applicable to, and the published evidence base for, mindfulness-based approaches. Research proposal for thesis shows some originality and detailed preparation. -excellent -70%All parts of the assignment question are answered. - Entirely appropriate and accurate use of language. - Exceptionally clear line of argument and structure. - Each stage/section is explicitly and sensibly linked to the previous section and to the overall argument (i.e. clear progression and relevance) - Details integrated into a coherent whole with clear and well-argued conclusions. - Analytical in style and approach - Integrates a wide range of appropriate material and makes relevant connections between different parts of a given course or across different courses. - Critically evaluates the evidence in a logical manner. - Goes well beyond the information given in the lectures (and/or project meetings) - Shows clear evidence of extensive and relevant reading. - Has originality of exposition; the author’s own thinking is readily apparent.Excellent understanding shown of the wider evidence base for mindfulness- based approaches, together with its context in health care and perhaps in other areas. In-depth analysis and insightful scientific appraisal of published research into mindfulness-based approaches are shown. Very comprehensive and accurate coverage, indicating that the student has gone beyond the core and recommended readings and understands the area in depth. Writes coherently with clarity of argument and expression. Originality of ideas and a clear understanding of practical research methodology are shown in research proposal for thesis.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse a defined data set in rigorous and reproducible fashion.

• Collect data for a research study in a manner that is unbiased, reproducible and sensitive to the rights and circumstances of research participants.

• Design and justify a rigorous yet pragmatic research study worthy of an MSc thesis.

• Interpret analyses in a scientific yet self-critical manner.

• Review and synthesise the literature relevant to a defined aspect of mindfulness-based approaches.

• Seek, negotiate and achieve ethical approval for a defined research study where required.