Dissertation (DL)

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Identify and summarise relevant literature
• Collect, analyse and interpret data
• Carry out a literature review of the relevant field
• Manage your time effectively whilst working on your independent research
• Understand and apply theoretical frameworks to the chosen area of study
• Use developed report writing skills
• Draw out the implications of your research for further research and policy/practice
• Use referencing skills and other aspects of academic writing
• Carry out independent research
• Identify key research questions within the field of Gerontology upon which you will carry out independent research
• Apply the research training acquired in the taught element of the programme by designing an appropriate research strategy and research methodology to carry out your research
• Write up the process of carrying out independent research and report your results with reference to existing literature
• Undertake the collection, analysis and interpretation of qualitative, quantitative or documentary data to investigate your chosen key research questions; or carry out a literature-based study on a selected research issue

The unit will include:

• online Dissertation Workshops to outline expectations for the preparation of the Dissertation (guidelines, aims, choice of topic, period of study, supervision, length, layout, language, referencing, figures/tables, risk assessment form, ethics, disclaimer);
• a minimum of 4 supervisory sessions with your Dissertation Supervisor over the summer period using Skype technology and/ or email, for which you will receive guidance in your Programme Handbook;
• structured email correspondence with written feedback from your Dissertation Supervisor following supervision meetings;
• and independent study.

As part of this unit, you will be offered an opportunity to discuss and agree the topic of your dissertation with the MSc Dissertations Tutor and your allocated Dissertation Supervisor. You will be given guidance on the preparation of your dissertation via online Dissertation Workshops and through general support and direction by your Dissertation Supervisor while you are carrying out your independent research and writing it up. Your Dissertation Supervisor will be in communication with you using Skype technology and/or email to assess the progress of your dissertation, advise you on the structure and comment on outlines of chapters.

Teaching and learning methods

MSc Dissertation Workshops, MSc Dissertation Handbook, use of Blackboard, supervision meetings.

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Petticrew, M. and H. Roberts (2006). Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide. Malden, Mass; Oxford: Blackwell.

Aveyard, H. (2014). Doing a Literature Review in Health and Social Care: A Practical Guide. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Denscombe, M. (2010). The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Bell, J. (2010). Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science.. Buckingham: Open University Press.

Biggam, J. (2015). Succeeding with your Master's dissertation: A step-by-step handbook. Maidenhead: Open University PRess.

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 Information

Repeat type: Internal & External