undertake a substantial, focused piece of research using research methods and analytical techniques that are appropriate to their

 research the literature relating to a specific topic or issue relevant to their programme of study, and present a synthesis and critical review of the literature.

■ identify and formulate hypotheses to be tested or problems to be addressed deriving from their analysis of the literature.

■ confront these hypotheses or problems by mobilising relevant evidence and analysing it using statistical or other appropriate methods

■ evaluate findings and draw out their implications.

■ present a substantial piece of written work that is clearly motivated and structured, and conforms to the requirements specified in the course documentation with regard to the quality of written work and to presentational features such as length, layout, citations and bibliography.