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The dissertation module provides students with the opportunity to select and explore a topic in-depth through an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisor throughout the academic year and supported by weekly workshops in the Autumn and Spring terms.Ìý

A research proposal (1,500 words, /- 10%,) is submitted at the end of the Autumn term and provides the foundation for subsequent dissertation research. The research proposal counts for 20% of the module assessment. The full dissertation (8,500 words, +/- 10%) is submitted in the Summer term and counts for 80% of the module assessment.ÌýÌý

Teaching delivery: Include how the module will be taught – e.g. This module is taught in 10 weekly lectures and 10 weekly seminars.ÌýÌý

Students receive guidance on the selection of a topic for their dissertation research at a preliminary workshop which takes place in the Summer term of Year 2. They are subsequently assigned to a dissertation supervisor, on the basis of the topic selected, prior to the start of the Year 3.Ìý Students receive 6 supervisions throughout the course of the academic year; at the beginning of October, early November and monthly supervisions from January onwards.ÌýÌý

Compulsory workshops take place on a weekly basis throughout the Autumn term to develop students’ knowledge of research methodologies and skills and to support their writing of the research proposal. Optional weekly workshops take place in the Spring term.ÌýÌý

Indicative Topics: Based on module content in 2023/24, subject to possible changes.

The Autumn term workshops include a weekly taught component on a specific aspect of the dissertation research process. The focus of the workshop sessions include planning and designing your dissertation research, literature searching, writing literature reviews, ethical issues in research, support for writing research proposals, methods of data collection and the analysis of data.ÌýÌý

The Spring term workshops consolidate and develop the guidance and support provided by the Autumn term workshops in relation to the latest stage of students’ dissertation research projects.ÌýÌý

Module Aims:Ìý

Through undertaking an independent research study under the guidance of your supervisor together with attendance at workshop sessions, the dissertation module aims to provide students with the following: 

1. The opportunity to design and implement an independent research project.Ìý
2. To explore and gain an in-depth understanding of a self-selected topic.ÌýÌý
3. To enhance understanding of how research methodologies can be implemented to pursue a variety of research aims and objectives.ÌýÌý
4. To enhance students’ academic writing and research skills including the formulation of viable research questions, the critical and effective use of literature, the employment of appropriate research methodologies, the development of arguments based on sound evidence and the critical evaluation of research findings.ÌýÌý

Recommended readings:Ìý

• Clarke, T., Foster, L., & Bryman, A. (2019). How to do your social research project or dissertation (First edition.). Oxford University Press.Ìý
• Greetham, B. (2019). How to write your undergraduate dissertation (Third edition.). Red Globe Press.Ìý
• Thomas, G. (2017). How to do your research project : a guide for students. (Third edition.). SAGE Publications Ltd.