Hooray!

There has been a change of plan with the dissertation requirements. Because we're a new course, the school had originally just nicked the traditional major essay requirements from the nursing department. They have to come up with a research proposal and pretty much do everything bar conduct the actual research. This, to me, seemed like a waste of time. What's the point in spending that long on a lit review and formulation of a proposal you don't actually get a chance to conduct? It only makes sense if you're going to do your masters on that subject, and even then not so much. (Well, if you're me and get distracted by shiny things.)

So, we had a wee chat in our research class today and in between me moaning that I can't settle on one topic while others have difficulty even thinking of one topic (there may be some rolling of dice involved in my decision) it was announced that we can, well, pretty much do whatever the hell we want. So if I decide I want to write about the history of midwifery in Ireland, I can. If I want to write about the ethical implications of screening for congenital/chromosomal abnormalities (particularly those that are incompatible with life, such as Edwards) in a country where abortion is not an option, I can. If I want to discuss the treatment and experiences of non-heterosexual women in accessing maternity care in Ireland and design a little leaflet for edumacating healthcare professionals, I can. If I want to do something about the use of ARM in labour and make policy change suggestions, I can! This means that I'll have something to actually show for all the work I'll be putting into this major project.

I am happy. I just need to decide what the hell I'm going to work on for the next 13 months. Too much to choose from!