Project Practicum

Key Details

This mandatory module represents the final stage of the Master’s programme and is designed to guide students through the development and writing of their Project Work. The module includes a series of short video lectures that provide practical tools and methodological guidance to support each phase of the project.

The Project Work Module is grounded in a learning-by-doing approach and involves the development of a project within a professional or educational context, with the aim of achieving a defined and shared objective. It combines theoretical learning with practical application, enabling students to develop and apply key skills such as decision-making, organisation, analysis, and problem-solving.

The Practicum is structured into five main phases: ideation, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Students begin by identifying a project idea and clarifying its purpose. This is followed by a planning phase, in which objectives, strategies, activities, and resources are defined. The implementation phase translates the project into practice, while ongoing monitoring ensures alignment with the initial goals. Finally, the evaluation phase assesses the outcomes and the overall effectiveness of the project.

Unlike a traditional thesis, which is often primarily theoretical, the Project Work focuses on addressing real-world challenges through a practical and goal-oriented approach.

Time commitment

Classroom and demonstrations: 12 hours
Practical work/tutorials: 12 hours
Independent learning: 226 hours
Total: 250 hours

Credit points

10 ECTS

Subjects covered

The Practicum module guides you through the full development of an applied research project, from defining your research question to delivering a professional-quality presentation of your work:

• Project Proposal and Planning Overview of module objectives and expectations. Research focus definition. Project scoping. Goal setting. Milestone planning.
• Research Methodologies Literature review techniques. Systematic source searching. Academic databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria. Research methodology selection. Knowledge gap identification.
• Scientific Writing Conventions of academic and professional writing. Argument structuring. Paragraph and section organisation. Citation practices. APA referencing style. Academic integrity.
• Ethical Considerations and Sustainability Governance structures and accountability. Ethical principles in digital projects: fairness, transparency, responsibility. Regulatory awareness. Environmental, organisational, and societal sustainability. UN Sustainable Development Goals in the digital context.
• Project Presentation and Communication Skills Narrative structuring for complex projects. Visual communication and slide design. Oral delivery techniques. Communicating to diverse and non-specialist audiences. Digital Artefact development.
• Project Evaluation and Reflection Evaluation criteria and assessment frameworks. Self-assessment and peer review. Critical reflection on learning outcomes. Identifying directions for future research.

Through this module, you will develop the ability to conduct rigorous academic research, produce a structured and evidence-based Project Work, and communicate your findings with clarity and confidence. This curriculum ensures you are equipped with the research, writing, and presentation skills that are increasingly valued across all professional roles in the digital economy.

Learning objectives

After successfully completing this specialised practical project module, learners will be able to:

• Synthesise knowledge from core areas of the programme to propose, develop, and evaluate a significant digital transformation project for a specific industry or business.
• Apply project management principles to plan, execute, and deliver a practicum.
• Analyse the current state, identify opportunities for digital innovation, propose a transformation strategy, and outline the steps for implementation.
• Demonstrate professional communication skills by presenting and defending their project outcomes.
• Reflect on the ethical implications and sustainability of their project within a global and societal context.

Module leaders

Chiara Panciroli, University of Bologna

Chiara Panciroli is a Full Professor at the Department of Education Studies (Giovanni Maria Bertin) at the University of Bologna, specialising in Methodologies of Teaching and Special Education (M-PED/03). Her academic journey includes a Bachelor of Science and Education and a PhD in Pedagogy. Panciroli has held positions as an Associate Professor and Full Professor at the University of Bologna since 1998.

Chiara teaches courses such as Theories and Tools of Didactic Mediation, Museum Teaching, Iconography and Iconology, and Teaching Tools and Communication in Museum Environments. She also contributes to the Doctoral School of General Teaching, focusing on Care in education and Teacher professionalism in nursery schools.

Chiara’s research includes leading European projects like Promote Education, Participation and Projects for Youth (PEPPY), INTERSTICE, and FADING, and her recent publications address the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. She is an active member of several specialist bodies and research groups, contributing significantly to educational research and practice. Prof Panciroli also has the position of Head of the AI and Education scientific unit of the Interdepartmental Research Centre Alma Mater Research Institute For Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (Alma Human AI). Additionally, she is the contact person for the Humanities Area of the Working Group of the Teaching and Learning Centre of the University of Bologna.