This unit of study focuses on the knowledge and skills required for conducting research. It examines (i) research design and research methods including various data collection and analysis techniques; (ii) ethical considerations in undertaking research; and (iii) evaluating and critiquing the literature. Students will also develop skills for presenting their research, including oral presentation. With the assistance of their supervisor, students will begin a literature search and commence their literature review of their research topic. Preliminary findings will be presented during an oral assessment.

This unit of study provides students with the foundational skills for undertaking and managing their research project. It explores the practical aspects of managing an honours project, including supervisory relationships and time management, as well as structuring an honours thesis. It includes the conduct of a critical review of relevant and good quality research literature to develop the thesis argument (background) and to review methods and approaches relevant to the topic. It is expected that students will continue to develop their research design and method under the guidance of their supervisor during this unit.

In this unit of study students will continue working on their independent research project under the guidance of their supervisor, including undertaking field work for data collection, conducting analysis and writing their thesis.

In this unit of study students will complete their independent research project and thesis. By this stage, the literature review, method and results chapters should have been completed. Students will complete the remaining chapters and submit a thesis of approximately 15,000 words.