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Last modified: 10 Feb 2026 12:16
This course requires DCouns students to undertake a systematic review of research literature around a topic of interest within the field of mental health and therapy, and based on this develop an empirical project proposal for work which can be undertaken during their doctoral dissertation.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Using a pluralistic research stance students will be guided to undertake a systematic review on literature pertaining to a practice relevant topic of interest. This review will be written and submitted and represent the foundational justification for a project proposal developed through exploring epistemology, ontology, and methodological opportunities in preparation for the doctoral dissertation.
The expectation is that students will work semi-independently and be supervised in their preparation covering considerations of the research question and it’s underlying significant and relevance to the field of therapy, to explore and evaluate the philosophical and epistemological lens, and the methods used. The project must also consider the ethical, social justice and inclusivity impact of the work in terms of the research undertaken.
Teaching on the programme will comprise a series of workshops on the role of philosophical, ontological and epistemological stances used in therapy research, the systematic review process and preparation for publication of the review, along with specific training in research methodologies.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Word Count: 3,000 A project proposal for an empirical study to be carried out in the doctoral dissertation course Written and verbal feedback will be provided by tutors The creation of a valid project proposal is required for this assessment and ideally will serve to be the foundation of the doctoral work. The ability to change topic will be available and tutors will discuss options with students if they wish to change their focus, carry out the work in a different way to that suggested, or if the academic supervisor believes that the project is unlikely to be achievable or successful. Any disruptions or changes should be recorded and incorporated in to the doctoral report prior to submission |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Ability to undertake a systematic review of research literature |
| Procedural | Apply | Ability to develop a practice relevant research question |
| Procedural | Create | Synthesise a research project proposal focussing on research evidence and contemporary theory relating to therapy |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critically assess the ethical and socio-cultural implications of research and empirical inquiry |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Systematic review of literature pertaining to a topic of therapeutic interest Written and verbal feedback will be provided by tutors |
Word Count | 3000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Ability to undertake a systematic review of research literature |
| Procedural | Apply | Ability to develop a practice relevant research question |
| Procedural | Create | Synthesise a research project proposal focussing on research evidence and contemporary theory relating to therapy |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critically assess the ethical and socio-cultural implications of research and empirical inquiry |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 49 | Feedback Weeks | 52 | |
| Feedback |
Word Count: 3,000 A project proposal for an empirical study to be carried out in the doctoral dissertation course Written and verbal feedback will be provided by tutors |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Essay Literature review Written and verbal feedback will be provided by tutors |
Word Count | 3000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Ability to undertake a systematic review of research literature |
| Procedural | Apply | Ability to develop a practice relevant research question |
| Procedural | Create | Synthesise a research project proposal focussing on research evidence and contemporary theory relating to therapy |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Critically assess the ethical and socio-cultural implications of research and empirical inquiry |
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