Students work under the guidance of their supervisor to develop the protocol for their research study. In this self-directed unit candidates develop the research proposal for the thesis/dissertation. Regular meetings with the supervisor will provide opportunities for feedback, refinement of ideas, and ensure the research plan aligns with academic standards and milestones including introductory and confirmation seminars. These meetings will help clarify key concepts, address challenges, and keep students on track with their progress. Throughout the semester, students will receive ongoing support to enhance their research skills and are expected to devote a minimum of 8 hours of study per week. They will complete written assignments agreed with the supervisor amounting to approximately 6000 words.

Learning outcomes

The outcome of any unit for individual students is contingent upon what each student brings to class and the amount of energy and effort they deploy. However, a student who engages in all class activities with diligence can expect to be able to:
1. Evaluate academic articles for specific purposes within the student's research area;
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature and apply to the student's research area;
3. Critically analyse literature to identify gaps and/or problems within the student's research area; and
4. Develop a research proposal suitable for a confirmation seminar.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas

Skills development

1. Knowledge

1. The research graduate should be able to conceptualise, contextualise and exhibit a systematic understanding of knowledge in the research field within the wider framework of society and the professions.
2. The research graduate should be able to apply and integrate knowledge in the relevant profession or discipline and use that knowledge to develop creative solutions in new situations.
3. The research graduate should be aware of issues at the forefront of knowledge in the research field and should critically reflect and re-evaluate knowledge to address issues as they arise.

2. Inquiry

1. The research graduate should understand the inquiry philosophies, theories and practices in addressing research issues and appreciate different methodological approaches.
2. The research graduate should have developed higher order critical thinking skills in order to investigate, formulate and apply a range of approaches to problems including critical analysis and interpretation of research outcomes.
3. The research graduate should be able to evaluate critically and question the philosophies, theories and practices, and research outcomes in the research field.

3. Communication

1. The research graduate should understand the communication practices characteristic of the profession and their applicability beyond the discipline context.
2. The research graduate should be able to identify, analyse, evaluate and communicate information and knowledge using oral, visual and written mediums. The graduate should be able to choose the appropriate form of communication for the context and communicate clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
3. The research graduate should critically reflect on the effectiveness of their communication practices.

4. Organisation

1. The research graduate should be able to create a shared vision and conceive appropriate and achievable goals, objectives, actions and strategies.
2. The research graduate should be able to provide leadership, develop, implement and evaluate project plans and be able to operate effectively in a changing environment.
3. The research graduate should continue to develop as a reflective practitioner/professional.

5. Creativity

1. The research graduate should understand basic principles of originality and creativity in research and be able to use original approaches to produce works that critique and extend current forms of knowledge and understanding.
2. The research graduate should be able to formulate new approaches and interpret the existing bodies of work and their relevance to the new approach.
3. The research graduate should critically and creatively reflect on approaches to research methodology, implementation and outcomes.

6. Ethical practice

1. The research graduate should respect the concept of ethics and the ethical process, understand ethical frameworks and codes of practice as appropriate and be able to identify and understand the ethical dimensions of a project.
2. The research graduate should practise ethically and engage with colleagues and the community in a professional way.
3. The research graduate should continue to develop a social conscience as a reflective practitioner and community member.

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.