module specification

 This module allows students to explore in depth a topic of their own choice, arising out of their study at levels 4 and 5 (subject to supervisor approval).

Students are supported in the development of the project via close supervision according to staff subject specialisms. Supervisors guide students through planning of their work and overall topic, regular tutorials and feedback on draft material. Students gain personal development skills through the assessed management of their dissertation process and reflection on feedback.

The main aims of this module are:

• To enable students to initiate a specialist project of their own choosing, which draws on the knowledge, creative skills and the main concepts and theories introduced at levels 4 and 5;

• To allow students to consolidate and enhance their research skills and methodologies;

• To enable students to demonstrate in-depth skills of critical analysis through an extended piece of writing;

• To promote students’ ability to work independently with the guidance and supervision of academic staff;

• To apply and further develop transferrable skills of organisation and planning.

N/A

 The content of this module will vary according to the chosen topic. The topic will be developed from the students’ prior learning achieved on the modules at levels 4 and 5 and by the students’ areas of interest. Students will formulate a project proposal, including aims, method and a basic research and writing plan. The student will manage the dissertation according to milestones agreed with the supervisor and s/he will shape the project in response to guidance and feedback from the supervisor in tutorials and through the provision of draft material. The chosen topic must involve research, reading, critical analysis and reflection at a depth appropriate for a 30 credit level 6 module. LO1-4

The dissertation is supervised independent learning. During the academic year, students will meet with supervisors at least three times per semester for individual supervision in order to develop their ideas and receive individualized guidance and feedback.

Students will work towards milestones of achievement including, for example, a dissertation plan, arrangement of tutorials, and submission of a draft chapter. Supervisors will provide feedback throughout the process, enabling students to reflect upon their work and progress and to develop and improve their dissertations.
agreed in advance.

As part of the Personal Development Portfolio, students will be expected to reflect orally in supervisions on their developing research and ideas, and the assessment strategy will assess their demonstration of transferrable skills through project management.

 On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

(1) Plan and undertake a sustained piece of written work which requires independent research, editing and redrafting;

(2) Prepare and bring to timely completion a scholarly written dissertation with appropriate attention to presentation, and referencing and bibliographical conventions;

(3) Effectively communicate ideas in a specific and specialist field of the discipline and evaluate them critically, as well as shape their own arguments and in response;

(4) Develop the transferable skills required by employers, for example effective and appropriate communication, meeting deadlines, reflecting on feedback, initiating meetings, planning and delivering a project to time, clear and cogent oral and written communication skills.

 The assessment strategy comprises submission of a 10,000 to 12,000 word dissertation and demonstration of effective project management.

Students are expected to independently manage their dissertation planning and research, while engaging with individualized supervision, aimed at ensuring planned and consistent development of their dissertation. Supervisors will assess project management through evidence such as students’ arrangement of supervisory tutorials, submission of a dissertation plan and draft chapter, and engagement with feedback.

The student’s final submission will be a written dissertation of 10,000 to 12,000 which should demonstrate the student’s ability to engage with both primary and secondary research on their chosen topic, demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding, and engage in detailed critical analysis.

 The following general books on researching and writing a dissertation will be useful. However, all students will be advised by their supervisor on reading specific to their chosen topic:

Tom Burns and Sandra Sinfield, Essential Study Skills (London: Sage, 2008), pp. 223-235.

Peter Levin, Excellent Dissertations!: Planning, Managing and writing a Dissertation Project for Undergraduates and Taught Postgraduates (Maidenhead: Open University Press, 2005).