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Content: The dissertation is the capstone project and represents the largest share of the credits on this Masters programme. It gives students the opportunity to focus intensively and develop their own area of research interest. The other core modules on the programme feed directly into (or run in conjunction with) the dissertation project.

While selecting dissertation topics is a student-led process, given the programme’s clear focus on the intersection of the creative, cultural and health domains and in particular the need for robust datasets on the efficacy of non-clinical health interventions, we would expect that most student dissertation projects will seek to contribute to this limited, but growing, body of research. Moreover, students will work on their research projects in collaboration with one of our selected community partner organisations. Consequently, the specific focus of their dissertation may be the outcome of a joint exploration (between the student, the partner organisation and the supervisor(s)) of the need to enhance research on a specific area of creative health relating to the work (and client group) of the particular partner organisation.

Teaching delivery: This is a research-based dissertation module but there will be fortnightly 1-hour tutorial (in two groups on a rotational basis) throught terms 1-3, two two-hour seminars in term 2 and one full-day trainig day after the end of term 2.Ìý

Indicative topics:

• Dissertation skillsÌý
• Research and investgative methodsÌýÌý
• Ethical practice and data protectionÌý
• Data collection and processingÌý
• Academic writingÌý

Module aims and objectives:

Aims

• To identify and conduct intensive research on an area related to the intersection of culture, arts, creativity, nature and health.Ìý
• Ideally this research should be co-developed with a (communty) partner organisation and/or make a real, direct and positive contribution to ongoing practice (or policy) in the field.

Objectives / Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the module students should be able to:Ìý

• Identify critical areas in need for additional research in the fields of arts, creativity & health.Ìý
• Conduct original research in one of those areas that has the potential to make a wider contribution to the theories, practice and/or policy regarding non-clinical interventions in health.Ìý
• Compile, analyse (both quantitatively and qualitatively) and critically evaluate substantial datasets relating to creativity and health.Ìý
• Produce a high quality, fully referenced, academic output discussing this research in the form of a 15,000 word dissertation.Ìý

Additional expenses: Students may incur expenses – such as for travel and / or materials – as part of their dissertation research. For this reason we have set aside a budget (up to £400 per student) for eligible dissertation expenses.ÌýÌý

This module is taught on the ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº EAST campus in Stratford.