OPT060: MSc Research Project

This compulsory module is where you complete a project through advanced study or research. 

Research themes are tailored to your MSc programme. You must successfully complete a research project or systematic literature review in an area relevant to optometry and write up a report (up to 20,000 words).

MSc project topics can be suggested by you, or chosen from a list provided by staff. The topic for research is agreed between you, the module leader and proposed supervisor(s). Typical research themes include (i) eye care provision, (ii) clinical audit and service evaluation and (iii) ocular disease investigation and management.

For students studying the programme on a part time basis, the module will be selected as an optional module to span the whole academic year, with submission at the end of the second semester.

Start date	September
Credits	60 credits - CET points available
Prerequisites	None
Module tutors	Justyn Regini
Tuition fees (2025/26)	£4140 - Home students £7740 - International students
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£4260 - Home students £7980 - International students
Module code	OPT060

Learning objectives

On completion of the module you should be able to:

• examine the extent of information resources available to their field of chosen research (ILO 1)
• compile appropriate information whilst maintaining  a critical approach to the available literature (ILO 2)
• demonstrate an understanding of research methodology and study design (ILO 3)
• show deep understanding of the techniques and rationale used in their research (ILO 4)
• understand and defend the analysis of experimental data (ILO 5)
• show understanding of results and conclusions of the work, and its limitations (as appropriate; ILO 6)

How the module will be delivered

Independent study is key to this module and is fully supported by the supervisors and course team.

You will attend an introductory seminar, via the VLE, with the module leader and prospective supervisor(s) to explain the module and the expectations of the supervisor(s). The frequency of communication and/or meetings between you and the supervisor(s) will be determined on an individual basis: regular communication between you and supervisor(s) is a key to success.

You will be directed to appropriate resources and generic texts to support your chosen topic and research skill development. From this initial learning, the research/review question will be further refined, followed by the development of the Research Project.

Syllabus content

• Identification of a suitable evidence based research hypothesis
• An experimental design/ research methodology which tests the research hypothesis
• Ethical aspects of the research design and methodology
• Collection and/or compilation of ‘quality’ data
• Statistical analysis appropriate to the experimental design/ research methodology and to the type of data
• Discussion of the research findings in the context of the current literature
• Written and verbal presentation skills

Skills that will be practised and developed

• Academic skills
• Referencing
• Researching
• Studying and learning
• Writing
• Reflective practice
• Knowledge application
• Ethical, social and environmental awareness
• Independent and critical thinking
• Reflection and resilience
• Innovative, enterprising and commercial awareness

How the module will be assessed

This MSc project, which has a maximum of word count of 20,000, is submitted via Learning Central at the end of the second semester.  Feedback will take place at regular intervals throughout the project, via communication with supervisor(s) who will discuss your progress.  

The Project is examined by the supervisor and also marked by another member of staff in the School of Optometry & Vision Sciences.

How to apply

Please contact our postgraduate team.