INDEPENDENT APPLIED STUDY - 2025/6
Module code: MANM572
Module Overview
The Independent Applied Study is the major element of the MSc programme so should represent the application of learning across different modules. It allows students to concentrate on topics that are of particular interest to them which may be taught on the programme. It also gives the student an opportunity to work independently with supervision. The Study Report can take 2 different forms as follows:
Business Plan - starts with an original business idea agreed with academic supervisor and developed by the student through a process of research into a clearly defined business plan.
Consulting Project- starts with a consulting brief agreed with a company stakeholder and academic supervisor. It may be based on a problem or opportunity identified by the company stakeholder and involves a research-based solution to explore and develop the topic with milestones and objectives agreed for the delivery of the project.
Module provider
Surrey Business School
Module Leader
MURZACHEVA Ekaterina (SBS)
Number of Credits: 60
ECTS Credits: 30
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Workshop Hours: 12
Independent Learning Hours: 549
Tutorial Hours: 7
Guided Learning: 20
Captured Content: 12
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
N/a
Module content
Students will identify a topic area of interest that they wish to develop further through their independent applied study. This must be relevant to the programme of study. Based on this topic, students will be assigned a supervisor who will guide their work. The module is largely based on self-directed study and research, which takes place during the Spring semester and the summer.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) | Study Report | 100 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their applied learning from the MSc programme. Their study report is a major piece of self-directed research using a defined research methodology on a defined topic where students are expected to apply theory, models and tools which they have learned across different modules of the programme. Thus, the summative assessment for this module is the Study Report. It addresses learning outcomes 1 - 5. Students will be supported by module leader and individual academic supervisors who will periodically provide formative feedback based on the progress of the student with research. This will initially relate to their research proposal and subsequently relate to a research review of their progress. Students are expected to use the formative feedback to improve their coursework for summative assessment.
Module aims
- Allow students to undertake an original piece of work or research
- To demonstrate an ability to select, define and focus upon an issue with critical discussion
- Develop and apply relevant and sound research methodologies
- Analyse key and relevant contemporary issues
- Develop awareness of the ethical dilemmas and considerations related to research and work practices
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Write cogently to show an in depth understanding and insight of a relevant topic of specific interest | CK |
| 002 | Demonstrate critical engagement with existing literature or commercial practice relevant to their topic | CKP |
| 003 | Use appropriate research methodology and to justify their use | KT |
| 004 | Analyse and present their findings to produce sound conclusions | CK |
| 005 | Present a major piece of coherent work based on self-direct research project | CKP |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The teaching and learning strategy is designed to develop the student's ability to conduct and report independent research. It builds on learning from different modules in the programme, allowing students to gain experience of applying further some of the theory and methods learned. Included in the strategy is the development of a research proposal to help students develop their ideas critically. The teaching and learning methods include regular supervision and support by an academic supervisor with formative feedback. The proposal should be agreed with the supervisor before proceeding with their study. Where necessary, students must obtain ethical approval prior to data collection.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MANM572
Other information
Employability: students develop key digital and business skills which they can apply in a range of different business contexts. This is assessed in the study report.
Resourcefulness and Resilience: students work independently to prepare a substantial piece of coursework which will involve initiative, challenges and opportunities to demonstrate their creativity and an ability to adapt based on the business context. This is assessed in the study report.
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.