1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of research methods including project planning, data collection and research ethics
2. Evidence the integration of elements of your learning from the programme as a whole to research a theme or topic associated with humanitarian archaeology
3. Display competence in applying research skills to collect and analysis primary and/or secondary data and sources
4. Demonstrate cognizance of methodological approaches to humanitarian archaeology, focusing particularly on field skills
5. Illustrate a level of communicative skills appropriate for Level 6 study, utilising standard notational and referencing conventions.

This module will be assessed by:
1. Gateway Report – comprising project design document and ethical review documentation. [LO 1, 5]
2. Dissertation (Maximum 10,000 words, 85% of the grade), detailing rationale, literature review, methods, findings and conclusions. The Dissertation must include in the appendices a completed supervision log, providing evidence of structured and planned use of supervisory meetings and sensible time management. The dissertation will reflect learning outcomes (1, 2, 3 and 4)

In this module students will engage in a major research project. As part of this process, students are required to choose a discipline specific topic for research, identify and critically review appropriate literature, conduct the research and write a dissertation. Students are required to communicate the research findings in a discipline specific written format. In accordance with the HEFCE definition of research, the work should comprise an original investigation undertaken in order to gain knowledge and understanding.

The first part of this module will provide the necessary research skills to complete an extended research project. Students will participate in taught sessions with their Research Supervisor and the module delivery team regarding project management skills, ethical issues and data analysis. These will take the form of a combination of face to face classes and discussions as well as Blackboard tasks. Students will then complete Assessment 1, which consists of a project design and ethical review. It will be the joint responsibility of the student and the supervisor to design a schedule for the undertaking of the dissertation in relation to appropriate targets of progress.

The second stage of module involves the completion of Assessment 2, the dissertation. To assist students, a dissertation guidebook will be issued. This will provide information about the administrative arrangements for the dissertation; guidance on the characteristics and objectives of the dissertation; conventions governing the organising of work for a dissertation and the form of its presentation; the criteria for assessment and the assessment procedures.

Design and complete your own research project in humanitarian archaeology and genocide investigation. A dissertation is probably the longest piece of undergraduate academic work you will complete. It will require effective project management, research, academic writing and data collation and analysis skills to complete on time. It is the one piece of work that is truly your own. Therefore, it will help you develop an in-depth understanding of a particular topic of archaeology whilst acquiring transferable skills in inter-personal communication, data collection and analysis, systematic analytical writing to present findings, and effective time-management.

Primarily, this is a self-directed piece of research. You will be allocated an individual supervisor who will have responsibility for guiding you to completion of your dissertation. It will be the joint responsibility of the student and the supervisor to design a schedule for the undertaking of the dissertation in relation to appropriate targets of progress, ethical approval, and resources and logistics. To assist you a dissertation guidebook will be issued. This will provide information about the administrative arrangements for the dissertation; guidance on the characteristics and objectives of the dissertation; conventions governing the organising of work for a dissertation and the form of its presentation; the criteria for assessment and the assessment procedures.

Temple, A. 2019. The Postgraduate's Guide to Research Ethics. Macmillan research skills series. Red Globe Press

Thomas, G. 2017. How to do your Research Project. Sage Publishing. UK

Peter, L., 2012. Excellent Dissertations! McGraw-Hill Education UK.

Bell, J & Waters, S. 2014. Doing Your Research Project. 5th Edition. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

Library Resources including Ebooks and e-journals, relevant websites.
Blackboard VLE.
Computer with internet access; students’ own textbooks.