INDEPENDENT APPLIED STUDY - 2026/7
Module code: MANM572
Module Overview
The Independent Applied Study is a major component of the MSc programme and should represent a significant independent piece of work, drawing on various areas of knowledge and skills. It allows students to focus on topics of particular interest to them, which may be covered in the programme. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to work independently under supervision.The Study Report can take two different forms:1. Business Plan - Begins with an original business idea, agreed upon with an academic supervisor, and is developed by the student through research into a clearly defined business plan.2. Consulting Project - Begins with a consulting brief agreed upon with both a company stakeholder and an academic supervisor. It may address a problem or opportunity identified by the company stakeholder and involves a research-based solution to explore and develop the topic. Milestones and objectives are agreed upon 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 of interest that they wish to explore further through their Independent Applied Study. This topic must be relevant to the programme of study. Based on their chosen topic, students will be assigned a supervisor who will provide guidance throughout the process. The module primarily consists of self-directed study and research, conducted at the end of the Spring semester and throughout 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 allow students to demonstrate their applied learning from the MSc programme. The Study Report serves as a major piece of self-directed research, requiring students to apply a defined research methodology to a chosen topic while integrating relevant theories, models, and tools.The summative assessment for this module is the Study Report, which addresses learning outcomes 1- 5. Students will receive support from the module leader and individual academic supervisors, who will provide periodic formative feedback on their project progress. Initially, feedback will focus on the project proposal, followed by ongoing guidance on their project development. Students are expected to use this feedback to refine their work and enhance their final submission 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 ability to conduct and report independent research. It builds on their prior learning, where appropriate, but primarily relies on independent research, allowing students to apply relevant theories and methods while also exploring additional frameworks and tools applicable to their projects.As part of this strategy, students will develop a project proposal to critically refine their ideas. The teaching and learning methods include regular supervision and support from an academic supervisor, along with formative feedback. The proposal must be approved by the supervisor before proceeding with the study. Where necessary, students must also obtain ethical approval before collecting data.
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.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management MSc | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
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 2026/7 academic year.