By the end of the module you'll have:

• learned to design a feasible research project
• planned, implemented and managed a research project
• produced a piece of original research that is based on a topical issue within your chosen Disciplinary or Specialist Interests
• presented an argument that engages with the topical issue from a variety of perspectives
• presented the findings of your research project in a public forum

Year 2, Term 3

• Lecture : What is a dissertation? How to choose a topic? The dissertation proposal (ppt SlidesLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window)
• Lecture : Generating original ideas and deciding on a project; Selecting a supervisor; Managing your project
• Supervision 1

Year 3, Term 1 (weekly schedule)

1. Supervision 2
2. Lecture : Deciding on the format of your project; managing the relationship with your supervisor
3. Independent work
4. Lecture: writing the proposal
5. Supervision 3
6. Independent work and Submission of the proposal
7. Independent work
8. Supervision 4: feedback on proposal and action points for consideration
9. Lecture: Using Evidence and constructing an argument
10. Idependent work

Year 3, Term 2 (weekly schedule)

1. Supervision 5
2. Lecture : Components of the dissertation
3. Independent work
4. Lecture: Referencing and Citations
5. Independent work
6. Supervision 6
7. Independent work
8. Supervision 7
9. Lecture : Editing, Revising, Presenting your findings; Preparing for the Viva
10. Superivision 8

Year 3, Term 3

1. Optional Supervision
2. Submission
3. Viva Voce (individually arranged during Term 3)

You're encouraged to consult the research methods bibliography you used in the research methods modules in year 1. In addition you'll be directed (as appropriate to your individual project) to additional sources.

Here is a list of useful writing manuals that you may wish to consult in the library:

Bailey, S Academic Writing: A practical guide for students (2003)

Barrass, R Scientists Must Write: A guide to better writing for Scientists, Engineers and Students (2002)

Browne, N Asking the Right Questions (2011)

Cage, J The Shape of Reason (2006)

Fabb, N How to Write Essays, Dissertations & Theses in Literary Studies (1993)

Metcalf, M Reading Critically at University (2006)

Redman, P, Good Essay Writing: A social sciences guide (2003)

Through this module, you will develop different skills that are sought by employers which will support your professional development. We have highlighted this to enable you to identify and reflect on the skills you have acquired and apply them throughout your professional journey including during the recruitment process whether this is in a CV/application form or at an interview.

• Written communication: The module is designed to enable students to write a substantial piece of original research based on their disciplinary or specialist interest.
• Oral communication: Each dissertation project is capped off with a viva voce oral examination that forms a critical component of the final module grade. Students are expected to verbally summarise their research and answer questions about their work in front of an audience.
• Project management and organisation: Students are independently responsible for devising the question they seek to answer, the framework in which they conduct their research and writing, and their relationship with their supervisor. This gives them total oversight of a major project from inception to completion.
• Data analysis: All students are expected to gather data appropriate to their research question and then work within agreed methodological frameworks to analyse that data in support of a thesis. Depending on the nature of the project question selected, students may engage in quantitative or qualitative analysis.
• Research and evaluation: As part of the dissertation process, students will conduct appropriate research to support their studies. In conjunction with data analysis, they will need to interrogate a range of primary and secondary sources in a variety of formats.
• Time and self-management: This dissertation is a major project that requires students to self-motivate in order to meet deadlines and research goals they have set for themselves.