This module provides an opportunity for students to undertake a research project, normally empirical in nature, and focussed on their current practice. During this period students will complete a literature review; gather data to address their research question; express these data succinctly; analyse the data; draw conclusions in relation to their research question and reflect on their research and its significance, making recommendations for future practice and research.

A thesis may have elements of empirical data, or may have none. For example, a thesis dealing critically with the historical development of theory, skills or competences, may analyse how these areas of knowledge have emerged and been deployed, which may mean that no significant empirical data is included; however, critically appraising the effects that advances in new areas of knowledge might have had, could involve the inclusion of empirical data, illustrating changes in practice as a result of these developments.