Project/Dissertation

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate appropriate referencing and develop skills in other aspects of academic writing.
• Analyse and synthesise research findings.
• Describe the process of carrying out independent research in written format and report your results and conclusions with reference to existing literature.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of report writing.
• Identify, summarise and critically evaluate relevant literature and write a literature review of the relevant field.
• Identify key research questions within the field of Demography on which you will carry out independent research.
• Identify, analyse and interpret suitable data to enable the research question to be answered.
• Understand and apply theoretical frameworks to the chosen area of study.
• Manage your time effectively whilst working on your independent research.
• Apply the demographic/statistical research training acquired in the taught element of the programme by designing an appropriate research strategy and research methodology to carry out your research.
• Show evidence of clarity of argument, understanding of the chosen topic area, and presentation of technical information.

The module will include:

• At least three dissertation skills workshops in Semester 2 to outline expectations for the preparation of the Dissertation (guidelines, aims, choice of topic, period of study, supervision, length, layout, language, referencing, bibliography, figures/tables, risk assessment form, ethics, disclaimer, binding)
• Students are required to submit an outline to their supervisor by mid/late June. The expected length for the outline is around 1000 words. It is a compulsory formative piece of work.
• Meetings with your Dissertation Supervisor over the summer period.
• Independent study.

As part of this module, you will be offered an opportunity to discuss and agree the topic of your dissertation with the MSc Programme Co-ordinator and your allocated Dissertation Supervisor. You will receive instructions regarding a range of available/potential topics. However, we encourage you to choose a dissertation topic on your own, which could be based on a specific area of your research interest, work experience or reflecting on the modules taught in the programme.

Teaching and learning methods

The module will be taught mainly through individual supervision and independent learning, although there will be some formal lectures. The outline will be marked by the supervisor. Written feedback will be given. Extra verbal feedback may also be given.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Other. Dissertation skills workshop slides and materials will be available on Blackboard along with suggested reading and links to other useful resources.

Textbooks

Swetnam, Derek (1997). Writing your dissertation: how to plan, prepare and present your work successfully. Oxford.

Rudestam, Kjell Erik (2007). Surviving your dissertation: a comprehensive guide to content and process. Los Angeles.

Mason, Jennifer (2002). Qualitative Researching. London: Sage .

Hart, Chris (2005). Doing your masters dissertation: realizing your potential as a social scientist. London.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External