LO1 Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of research philosophies, paradigms, strategies, and methods appropriate to research or professional enquiry in the subject specialism

2026-03-31 09:29:07

ASSESSMENT BRIEF

Module Number: MRS7015

Module Name: Research Project

Year/Trimester: 2025/26 Semester 2

Assignment Number and Type:  Coursework (Portfolio)

Assignment Title:  See below

Assignment Length: See below

Submission Deadline: Research Proposal – 24/04/2026

   Written Project Output: 22/06/2026

   Oral Assessment 03/07/2026

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

Module Learning Outcomes

 

Assessment No.

and Type

LO1 Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of research philosophies, paradigms, strategies, and methods appropriate to research or professional enquiry in the subject specialism

 

Written Output

LO2 Design and plan an extended piece of work in critical research or professional enquiry to advance knowledge in the subject area.

Research Proposal

LO3 Using a range of primary and secondary sources, critically analyse, interpret, summarise, and synthesise information into a conceptual framework to guide critical research or professional enquiry.

Written Output

LO4 Execute an extended piece of research appropriate to the subject specialism, drawing on subject conventions, critical analysis and creative thinking, collecting and analysing primary data to extend knowledge.

Written Output

LO5 Synthesise and apply knowledge acquired to develop justified solutions and recommendations, appropriate to the subject specialism

Written Output

LO6 Critically reflect upon the research journey in the context of personal and professional development, and indicate future direction.

Written Output

LO7 Communicate complex academic or professional issues, and defend ideas and recommendations to audiences appropriate to the subject area.

Oral Assessment

Assignment Brief Format: 

Assessment item

Due Date

 

Weight

 

1

 

Research Proposal

24/04/2026

10%

2

Written Project Output

22/06/2026

75%

3

Oral Assessment

 

03/07/2026

 

15%
Main Sections of Assessment Brief 

Research Proposal – Written Piece - Coursework

Assessment Number

Part 1

Assessment Type (and weighting)

Research Proposal -(2500 words)

This is a research proposal on a research area of your choice at master’s level within AI and emerging technologies. Learners are expected identify a research area by deeply clarifying the research problem, research questions, aims and objectives. Learners are also required to develop proposed data collection and analysis methods, including ethical clearance. 10%

Assessment Name

Research Proposal

Assessment Submission Date

24/04/2026

Learning Outcomes Assessed: 

LO2 - Design and plan an extended piece of work in critical research or professional enquiry to advance knowledge in the subject area

AI Status

Application

Notes

Category A

No GAI tool is permitted.

While grammar and/or spell checkers may be used to correct individual words and sentences, the use of GAI is not allowed. This is because the learning outcomes require you to produce original assessment work without any GAI assistance

Any GAI generated content which is presented as your own original work and is not acknowledged will be assessed for academic misconduct.

Your Research Proposal should include:

  • Your introduction, context of the research, structure and problem statement
  • Research aims, Research objectives, Research questions, proposed analysis method

Written Project Output – Coursework

Assessment Number

Part 2

Assessment Type (and weighting)

Written Project Output: A research project output (25000- words)

An academic project in report format in which you synthesise and critically analyse the development of key theories and practices relating to the subject specialism leading to the development of a detailed dissertation with conclusions that reflects your thinking and practical application of finding in industry. 75%

Assessment Name

Written Project Output

Assessment Submission Date

22/06/2026

LO1 - Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding of research philosophies, paradigms, strategies, and methods appropriate to research or professional enquiry in the subject specialism

LO3 - Using a range of primary and secondary sources, critically analyse, interpret, summarise, and synthesise information into a conceptual framework to guide critical research or professional enquiry.

LO4 - Execute an extended piece of research appropriate to the subject specialism, drawing on subject conventions, critical analysis and creative thinking, collecting and analysing primary data to extend knowledge.

LO5 - Synthesise and apply knowledge acquired to develop justified solutions and recommendations, appropriate to the subject specialism.

LO6 - Critically reflect upon the research journey in the context of personal and professional development, and indicate future direction.

AI Status

Application

Notes

Category A

No GAI tool is permitted.

While grammar and/or spell checkers may be used to correct individual words and sentences, the use of GAI is not allowed. This is because the learning outcomes require you to produce original assessment work without any GAI assistance

Any GAI generated content which is presented as your own original work and is not acknowledged will be assessed for academic misconduct.

Your report should include:

  • A critical appraisal of literature relating to the issue identified
  • A critical evaluation of relevant key concepts and theories relating to the issue identified
  • A critical evaluation and application of the various research approaches, research strategies, data collection, and data analysis models leading to the development of frameworks for resolving the problems.

Oral Assessment - Practical

Assessment Number

Part 3

Assessment Type (and weighting)

Oral Assessment: Practical

The student will be expected to provide a good summary of research, the methods, findings, and contribution to knowledge. The student will thereafter respond to questions to inspire a professional discussion.

Assessment Name

Oral Assessment

Assessment Submission Date

03/07/2026

Learning Outcomes Assessed: 

LO7 - Communicate complex academic or professional issues, and defend ideas and recommendations to audiences appropriate to the subject area.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) Applications in this Assessment

AI Status

Application

Notes

Category A

No GAI tool is permitted.

While grammar and/or spell checkers may be used to correct individual words and sentences, the use of GAI is not allowed. This is because the learning outcomes require you to produce original assessment work without any GAI assistance

Any GAI generated content which is presented as your own original work and is not acknowledged will be assessed for academic misconduct.

Assessment Task:

You are required to share a critical summary of the written output which evidences the research undertaken on one major issue within AI and Emerging Technologies

The assessment comprises questions to the student and professional discussion.

Minimum Secondary Research Source Requirements: 

Level HE7 - It is expected that the Reference List will contain between Twenty-Five to Forty sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include Eight refereed academic journals and five academic books.

Specific Assessment Criteria/Marking Scheme:

Distinction (70% and above)

An appropriate issue will have been selected and its relevance and importance to Research Project will be clearly explained.  An excellent critical appraisal of literature relating to the issue identified will be provided and relevant key concepts and theories will be expertly synthesised and evaluated.  Current and emerging practices will be expertly evaluated, and the implications for the issues selected will be clear.Relationships between concepts will be expertly elicited. Reflections will be succinct, insightful and original.

Extensive research demonstrating use of a wide range of contemporary and seminal sources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be excellent.  

Merit (60% -69%)

An appropriate issue will have been selected and its relevance and importance to Research Project will be clearly explained.  A critical appraisal of literature relating to the issue identified will be provided and relevant key concepts and theories will be synthesised and evaluated.  Current and emerging practices will be evaluated, and the implications for the issues selected will be clear.    Reflections will be succinct and original.

Research demonstrating use of a wide range of relevant research sources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be good.  

Pass (50%-59%)

The issue selected will be appropriate but relevance and importance and its relevance and importance to Research Project may not be explicit.  An appraisal of literature relating to the issue identified will be provided and relevant key concepts and theories will be discussed, but synthesis and evaluation may not be in depth.  Current and emerging practices will be discussed but the link to the issue may be limited. Some original reflections will be presented.

Research demonstrating use of a range of relevant research sources will be evident. Academic writing style, English and referencing will be satisfactory.  

Fail (Below 50%)

Students who do not meet the requirements of the Pass criteria will not successfully complete the assessment activity.

(Also see Section 16: General Assessment Criteria for Written Assessments)

It should be accompanied by an annotated bibliography.  (You can find guidance on annotate bibliographies here

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/annotated_bibliographies/index.html

https://www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/media/departments/lis/skills/study-guides/LS136-Guide-to-Writing-an-Annotated-Bibliography.pdf

https://www.brookes.ac.uk/students/academic-development/online-resources/annotated-bibliography)  

General Assessment Criteria for Written Assessments

GENERAL ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES – LEVEL HE7

 

 

Relevance

Learning outcomes must be met for an overall pass

Knowledge and Understanding

Analysis, Creativity and Problem-Solving

Self-awareness and Reflection

Research/

Referencing

Written English

Presentation and Structure

 

DISTINCTION

Exceptional Quality

85-100%

Work is directly relevant and expertly addresses the requirements of the brief.

 

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates an exceptional breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice which is beyond the threshold expectation for the level.

 

Produces exceptional work which makes a contribution to knowledge in the subject area.

Presents an exceptional critique of advanced research material resulting in clear, original and illuminating conclusions.

Expertly interprets complex matters and ideas and makes sound judgments in the absence of complete data.

Demonstrates exceptional creative flair and a high level of originality.

Develops distinctive, insightful and creative solutions to complex problems.

Provides insightful reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility.

An extensive range of advanced research sources critically evaluated and selected.

 

Sources cited accurately in both the body of text and in the Reference List/ Bibliography.

Writing style is clear, succinct and relevant to the requirements of the assessment.

An exceptionally well written answer with only rare errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Uses a wide range of less common and more advanced vocabulary and sentence types fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings. Paragraphs are expertly structured with linking and signposting.

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Evidence of planning and logically structured.

Where relevant, there is effective inclusion of, and reference to, figures, tables and images.

Excellent Quality

70-84%

Work is relevant and comprehensively addresses the requirements of the brief.

 

Learning outcomes are met.  

Demonstrates an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

 

Clearly demonstrates originality in the application of knowledge.  

Presents an excellent critique of advanced research material resulting in clear, original and illuminating conclusions.

Comprehensively interprets complex matters and ideas and makes sound judgments in the absence of complete data.

Demonstrates excellent creative flair and a high level of originality.

Develops distinctive and creative solutions to complex problems.

Provides excellent reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility

A wide range of advanced research sources critically evaluated and selected.

 

Sources cited accurately in both the body of text and in the Reference List/ Bibliography.

Writing style is clear, succinct and relevant to the requirements of the assessment.

A very well written answer with very few errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Uses a wide range of vocabulary and sentence types fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings. Paragraphs are very well structured with linking and signposting.

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Evidence of planning and logically structured

Where relevant, there is effective inclusion of, and reference to, figures, tables and images.

MERIT

Good Quality

60-69%

Work is relevant and addresses most of the requirements of the brief well.

 

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates a thorough breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

 

Demonstrates originality in the application of knowledge.  

Presents a comprehensive critique of advanced research material resulting in clear and original conclusions.

Systematically interprets complex matters and ideas and makes sound judgments in the absence of complete data.

Demonstrates creative flair and originality.

Develops creative solutions to complex problems.

 

Provides good reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, as required by the assessment.

A range of advanced research sources critically evaluated and selected.

 

In the main, sources cited accurately in both the body of text and in the Reference List/ Bibliography.

Writing style is clear, succinct and relevant to the requirements of the assessment.

A well written answer with some minor errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation. Uses a range of vocabulary and sentence types to convey precise meanings. Paragraphs are well structured with linking and signposting.

 

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Evidence of planning and logically structured in the main.

Where relevant, there is effective inclusion of, and reference to, figures, tables and images.

PASS

Satisfactory Quality

50-59%

Work addresses the requirements of the brief, although superficially in places. Minor irrelevant content.

 

Learning outcomes are met.

Demonstrates a sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

 

Demonstrates originality in the application of knowledge in places.  

Presents some critique of advanced research material resulting in original conclusions.

 

Shows the ability to systematically interpret complex matters and ideas and makes sound judgments in the absence of complete data.

 

Demonstrates creative flair and originality.

 

Develops some creative solutions to complex problems.

Provides justified reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, as required by the assessment.

 

 

 

Advanced research sources critically evaluated and selected.

 

Some errors evident in relation to referencing the text and Reference List/Bibliography

Writing style is readable and relevant to requirements of the assessment in the main.

Competently written with minor lapses in spelling, grammar and punctuation. For example, paragraphs are structured and include some linking and signposting. Sentences are complete.

A range of appropriate vocabulary is used.

The presentational style and layout are correct for the type of assignment.

Logically structured in the most part.

Inclusion of figures, tables and images but not all relevant or referred to.

FAIL

Borderline Fail

45-49%

Work addresses some of the requirements of the brief. Irrelevant and superficial content.

 

One or more learning outcomes have not been met.

Some omissions evident in knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

 

Demonstrates limited originality in the application of knowledge.

A limited critique of research material presented, with simplistic conclusions drawn.

 

Some complex matters and ideas interpreted but not systematically, resulting in flawed judgements.

 

Limited creativity and originality evident.

 

Demonstrates insufficient problem- solving skills and initiative.

Provides limited reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, when required.

Sources selected are limited and lack validity/relevance.

 

Poor referencing technique employed.  

Writing style is generally readable but lacks relevance to requirements of the assessment in places.

Intermittent lapses in grammar, spelling and punctuation pose obstacles for the reader. For example, some paragraphs may lack structure and there is limited linking and signposting.

Some appropriate vocabulary is used

For the type of assignment the presentational style, layout and/or structure are lacking.

Inclusion of figures, tables and images but not clear, relevant and/or referred to.

Fail

0-44%

 

Work does not address the requirements of the brief. Irrelevant and superficial content.

 

One or more learning outcomes have not been met.

Demonstrates inadequate knowledge and understanding of theory and practice for this level.

A lack of originality in the application of knowledge is evident.

An absence of critique of research material evident with unjustified conclusions.

 

Complex matters and ideas not interpreted correctly resulting in flawed judgements.

 

Creativity and originality are absent.    

 

Insufficient problem-solving skills and initiative demonstrated.

Provides inadequate reflection and critical self-awareness in relation to the outcomes of own work and personal responsibility, when required.

Relevant and valid sources are not selected.

 

Poor referencing technique employed.

Writing style is unclear and does not match the requirements of the assessment in question.

Deficiencies in spelling, grammar and punctuation makes reading difficult and arguments unclear. Unstructured paragraphs

For the type of assignment the presentational style, layout and/or structure are lacking.

 

Inclusion of figures, tables and images but not clear, relevant and/or referred to.
100% Plagiarism Free & Custom Written, Tailored to your instructions