Students may only progress to the dissertation if they have successfully completed a minimum of 105 credits + completed Research Methods module (and passed) which contribute to the Masters award.

1. A proposal document (to supervisor and course leader) 20%
1,300 – 1,500words

2. A mid-point oral progress review (with second assessor)
20%
5,000-6,500 words + 30 minutes MPR

3. Final written Dissertation document 60% (With the second and an independent assessor) - 12,000 -14,000 words + 30min Artifact Demonstration/Presentation

Additional Assessment Details
A proposal document addressing Learning Outcomes; Enquiry, Analysis, Problem solving, Application
A mid-point oral progress review addressing Learning Outcomes; Learning, Communication and Reflection
A Dissertation document addressing Learning Outcomes; Communication, Enquiry, Analysis, Problem solving, Application, Knowledge and understanding, Learning, Reflection
An Artifact Demonstration/Presentation addressing Learning Outcomes; Communication, Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge and understanding, Reflection

1. Utilise established research techniques and sources to create or interpret knowledge at the forefront of technology in the chosen field of study
Enquiry, Learning, Knowledge and understanding

2. Demonstrate self-direction. Planning and originality in completing an advanced level research project working independently but with support from a supervisor
Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge and understanding, Reflection

3. Demonstrate a professional approach to problem resolution, including analysis, design and implementation, based on a logical, scientific and well-engineered methodology
Analysis, Application, Problem solving

4. Show the absorption, critical evaluation and extension of existing knowledge in the chosen field of study and the development of new skills and understanding
Application, Knowledge and understanding, Reflection

5. Communicate and defend the process and conclusions of the Dissertation orally and through a written document
Communication

6. Act in an ethically responsible manner, fully in compliance with professional codes of conduct taking into account
Analysis, Reflection

7. Clearly address emerging issues in computing and technology including global and environmental issues standards and security
Enquiry, Application, Problem solving

This is a major piece of work to be carried out on INDIVIDUAL BASIS. During your Dissertation you will be expected:

To demonstrate a deep understanding of the core knowledge of your chosen domain
To demonstrate a high level of technical skill by identifying and investigating a significant problem relevant to your chosen domain
To develop an appropriate solution to the chosen problem with ‘proof of concept’
In the course of your dissertation project you will be expected to address issues of:
Requirements of professional bodies, codes of conduct and expectations of good practice
Legal, social, ethical and professional issues
Risk assessment and mitigation, health and safety issues and problem reduction strategies
Principles of project management
Development and/or enhancement of digital capabilities
Cultural, global and environmental issues
Copyright and intellectual properties
Software design standards (e.g. PAS754 Trustworthy Software)
Cybersecurity for individuals and large scale systems threats and the management of potential risks

8 hours of one-to-one supervisory meetings over a 16 week (maximum) period for full-time or 32 weeks for part-time students. 3 hours of class contact in the supporting lectures.
A typical Dissertation requires you to create the following deliverables or outcomes:
- A Proposal to be uploaded to Blackboard and approved by your Course Leader
- An Ethical Approval Form and Risk Assessment document to be uploaded to Blackboard and approved by the Course Leader before going to the Ethics Committee
- A definition of the project describing the background, aim and objectives, deliverables and resources, etc.
- A research programme explaining and justifying your methodology
- A literature review in the relevant domains identifying the key theories and examples, etc.
- A narrative describing the analysis and development of an artefact (whose nature will depend on your award)
- A test plan, documentation and results
- A critical evaluation of the project with conclusions and suggestions for further work, etc.

You will find or be allocated a supervisor and it is expected that you will meet on a weekly basis for approximately 30 minutes project (part-time students every two weeks). In addition you must attend the 50 minute timetabled lectures that will run for the first semester of the module. Supervisory meetings will address issues relevant to your individual dissertation project and the lectures will cover the general points that apply to all Dissertations.

Recommended texts:
Biggam, J. (2018) Succeeding with Your Master’s Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Handbook. 2nd Edn. Open University Press, ISBN: 0335243215
Swetnam, D and Swetnam, R. (2000) Writing Your Dissertation: The bestselling guide to planning, preparing and presenting first-class work. How-to Books, Oxford. ISBN: 185703662X

You will need access to these resources:
The Module Handbook and the Blackboard virtual learning environment;
The Masters project management system (on Blackboard);
Guided reading material Text books, journals and recommended online resources in the research domain;
Word processing, statistical analysis and presentation graphics software;
Relevant software and hardware 9to be determined as part of the scoping of the dissertation).

The dissertation module is the culmination of your masters study. On this 60 credit module you will research in depth a problem area that you have identified. The problem area will be relevant to your award and will be at the forefront of technology. You will develop a solution and will justify and explain this. You will also develop a written dissertation and supporting documentation.