Module overview
The dissertation stage of your Postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work. Essentially, the dissertation is a test of your ability to create and investigate, on your own initiative, a text which demonstrates a Masters level understanding of a particular subject issue.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
- demonstrate the ability to test ideas including the application of models as appropriate, using a variety of research designs, methodologies, measurements and techniques of analysis;
- ensure that your ideas and analysis are a prominent part of your dissertation;
- demonstrate the ability to synthesise ideas and research findings.
- present a logical, coherent and succinct line of argument throughout your dissertation;
- evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses;
- demonstrate the ability to plan, execute and report a significant piece of research or creative work with at least some element of originality;
- demonstrate the ability to formulate and test new ideas from a variety of approaches and justify the foundation of those ideas;
- provide in depth, critical reflection in your analysis and discussion of results;
- demonstrate the ability to present ideas and research findings in a well-structured, clear and compact way using a style consistent with an academic journal article;
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate your ability to work independently, carry out and evaluate a research project relevant to a business context;
- demonstrate the ability to interpret, conceptualise and critically evaluate the literature, and to relate it to practice as appropriate;
- demonstrate independent judgement and critical self-awareness.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- your chosen subject and related conceptual literature, making appropriate reference to relevant sources of literature;
- how to use concepts/techniques/frameworks from one or more of your taught modules.
- how to scope a study in your subject area, stating clear objectives for your study and ensure that the dissertation addresses these objectives;
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, at, or informed by, the forefront of your academic discipline or field of study.
Syllabus
Details of supervision processes, deadlines, and handing-in processes will be clarified in the PG Dissertation Handbook provided as part of the module. A supervisor will be appointed in April; you are entitled to 6 hours of supervision which you must organise and complete by the 31 July when supervision ends. The dissertation must be handed in mid-September. In brief the supervision process will assist you to:
• Identify a suitable topic for study;
• Design and undertake an appropriate investigation strategy;
• Complete the research ethics application and gain approval;
• Identify useful sources of information;
• Plan and manage an appropriate schedule of work;
• Liaise with your supervisor;
• Write and structure a logical, coherent and highly succinct piece of research.
Subject to the completion of the University’s Risk and Ethics procedures, students are encouraged to study international topics and may carry out fieldwork in overseas contexts.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching and learning methods include:
• Supervision (as detailed in Dissertation Handbook)
• Your Programme Leader/Supervisor may recommend attendance at other seminars or tutorials to aid the development of your topic
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 6 |
| Independent Study | 594 |
| Total study time | 600 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
PG Dissertation Handbook. PG Dissertation Handbook is provided in addition to a range of resources are offered through the University library.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Supervision sessions
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Formative feedback will be given by supervisors in the supervision sessions (face-to-face, email, skype, phone, etc.) throughout the supervision period.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Diligence and Initiative | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Diligence and Initiative | 100% |
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.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Diligence and Initiative | 100% |