Overview

In this module you will develop skills that will allow you to collect reliable evidence on which to make, confident, credible, and transferable analysis of the material you study. These skills will be applied, first, in the formulation of a proposal for your final master's project, and beyond that into analysis of possible professional careers. A master's degree in the humanities is not simply an opportunity to immerse yourself in cultural study —it also provides a springboard for a range of professions. In this module, you will learn to recognize the application of the skills, understanding, and knowledge you have been developing (including but not limited to information retrieval; project design; formulating the right questions; reading widely and carefully; synthesising information from different sources; presenting reports, summaries, critiques in a variety of written and oral forms) to a range of professional pathways. You will have the opportunity to talk with former humanities students who now follow successful professional careers. You will, upon completion of the module, have reflected on your developing skills, knowledge and understanding, planned an achievable research project, and researched your options for life beyond the masters.

Examining different methods of researching and analysing findings; exploration of careers relating to the humanities; creation of case studies relating to different potential careers relating to the MA

Project planning and management

Professional career planning

Developing Reflective Practice skills

Assessment Strategy

50-59% A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities: •A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression. •Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues. •Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability. •Accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

60-69% A candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities: •An advanced level of factual knowledge. •Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Some evidence of original thought. •The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought. •Fluent and accurate expression. •Competent use of quotation and references.

70% and above Typically, the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities: •Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis. •Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically. •Introduction and discussion of original ideas. •Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument. •High ratio of analysis to exposition. •Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression. •Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning Outcomes

• Assess the value of a research project to a community, industry, or academic field.

• Devise and plan a rigorous method suitable for investigation of a research topic in humanities studies

• Evaluate the applicability to professional careers of skills and understanding developed through humanities studies

• Synthesise and evaluate feedback for use in revision of own work