Module SXU-4016:
Dissertation

Overview

One-on-one supervision tutorials, as determined by the progress of the individual student, to include guidance on identifying and planning an appropriate research topic, investigation and applying relevant theoretical concepts, planning and conducting fieldwork and data collection (where relevant) and presenting the results coherently and in the appropriate format. There are preparatory workshops and students present their proposals to fellow students and staff on a presentation day.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C- / 50%>Student will have defined a research problem and demonstrated awareness of the theoretical context as well as knowledge of appropriate literature. Will have explained the choices made in designing and executing their study. Will have carried out analysis appropriate to the data and drawn conclusions. The presentation, including citation and referencing, will be clear and free from significant errors. -good --B / 60%>Student will have clearly defined a research problem and demonstrated good awareness of the theoretical context as well as systematic acquaintance with the appropriate literature. Will have explained and justified the choices made in designing and executing their study. Will have carried out thorough analysis appropriate to the data and drawn consistent conclusions. The presentation, including citation and referencing, will be clear and consistent. -excellent --A / 70%>Student will have precisely defined a research problem and demonstrated comprehensive critical awareness of the theoretical context as well as thoroughgoing acquaintance with the appropriate literature. Will have explained and justified the choices made in designing and executing their study. Will have shown full command of skills appropriate to analysis of the data and drawn insightful conclusions. The presentation, including citation and referencing, will be clear and fully accurate.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop a great depth of knowledge in the appropriate area/topic under investigation, demonstrated through a confident and properly critical use of expositing literature and the presence of a reasoned theoretical defence of the research.

• Develop an increased independence of view, and demonstrate the ability to analyse critically, make judgements, and draw conclusions.

• Develop and demonstrate a high level of autonomy and responsibility in planning and executing the research.

• Develop their ability to identify a research question, to carry out an investigation of the problem and to present findings in a clear and thoughtful way.

• Exercise appropriate ethical and methodological awareness both in planning and execution of the study.

• Identify and apply appropriate methods and critical awareness of methods used, including those used for the interpretation of data.

• Identify clear aims appropriate to a Masters dissertation it the field.

• Identify the limitations of the study.

• Present the research undertaken in the form of written dissertation subject to rigorous standards and confirming to the conventions.