The thematic independent study
Investigate and review academic literature to demonstrate awareness of different perspectives
• Formulate a research question which challenges or explores academic knowledge
• Critically examine and reflect upon theoretical practices based upon the world of work
• Locate appropriate secondary data to address the research question
• Analyse and re-interpret secondary data in order to formulate a relevant argument.
• Construct an argument that critically addresses a research question in an informed manner
• Structure essays in a logical way which represents research and analysis
Detailed description of assessment
Essay 1
1. Write 4000 words (+ or – 10%) including the text of your essay but excluding the cover page,
Reference list, footnotes and appendices.
2. Within the boundaries of your approved topic area (i.e. following you proposal), set yourself an
Essay question which outlines your topic and generally introduces the literature in the field.
3. Communicate with your essay question to your Supervisor and fine tune or proceed according to
His/ her advice.
4. Write your essay in an appropriate academic style and particularly ensure you use ‘third person’
Narrative, Harvard style in-text citation and referencing.
5. Utilise at least 7 high quality academic-style resources (e.g. textbooks, books and journals) and try
To ensure that you use no or only a small number of internet sources.
6. Do not undertake primary research.
7. Do not copy any materials you use word for word unless you identify these sections clearly as
Quotations.
8. If you paraphrase any materials you must identify the materials’ sources through in-text
Referencing.
9. This is an individual essay please do not work closely with anyone else.
10. Submit your essay on the VLE for marking with the appropriate Banner header-sheet, as well as
Your mind map and research log.