Module overview
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse and synthesise research findings.
- Identify, summarise and critically evaluate relevant literature and write a literature review of the relevant field.
- Use and develop written and oral presentation skills.
- Show evidence of clarity of argument, understanding of the chosen topic area, and presentation of technical information.
- Understand and apply theoretical frameworks to the chosen area of study.
- Identify, analyse and interpret suitable data to enable the research question to be answered.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of report writing.
- 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.
- Demonstrate appropriate referencing and develop skills in other aspects of academic writing.
- Manage your time effectively whilst working on your independent research.
- Identify key research questions within the field of social research methods on which you will carry out independent research.
- Describe the process of carrying out independent research in written format and report your results and conclusions with reference to existing literature.
Syllabus
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 580 |
Teaching | 20 |
Total study time | 600 |
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. Detailed guidance on practical aspects of producing the dissertation can be found in the MSc Handbook
Textbooks
Swetnam, Derek (1997). Writing your dissertation: how to plan, prepare and present your work successfully. Oxford.
Hart, Chris (2005). Doing your masters dissertation: realizing your potential as a social scientist. London.
Rudestam, Kjell Erik (2007). Surviving your dissertation: a comprehensive guide to content and process. Los Angeles.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Research outline
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: The outline will be marked by the supervisor. Written feedback will be given. Extra verbal feedback may also be given.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Dissertation | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Dissertation | 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 |
---|---|
Dissertation | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External