The MSc Dissertation is a major piece of work that provides you the platform for further developing applied research skills and knowledge in a focused topic within your MSc award. The specific area is typically determined by current thematic or technical research areas from within the Department (for example to align with research undertaken by research groups thus allowing you to be part of a wider research and academic community. You are allocated an Academic Supervisor to guide and supervise the development of the dissertation, and there is an emphasis on independent learning throughout.

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 Application, Analysis, Communication

6. Act in an ethically responsible manner, fully in compliance with professional codes of conduct, taking into account any relevant legal, social and ethical issues and including relevant risk assessment
Analysis, Reflection

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

1. A proposal document addressing Learning Outcomes; Enquiry, Analysis, Problem solving, Application

2. A mid-point progress review addressing Learning Outcomes; Learning, Communication and Reflection

3. A Dissertation document addressing Learning Outcomes; Communication, Enquiry, Analysis, Problem solving, Application, Knowledge and understanding, Learning, Reflection

4. An Artifact with optional Demonstration/Presentation (if required by markers) addressing Learning Outcomes; Communication, Analysis, Enquiry, Knowledge and understanding, Reflection

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 weeks (maximum) period for full-time or 32 weeks for part-time students.
3 hours of class contact taking the form of supporting lectures

A typical Dissertation requires you to create the following deliverables or outcomes:
1. A Proposal to be uploaded to Blackboard and approved by your Course Leader
2. 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
3. A definition of the project describing the background, aims and objectives, deliverables and resources, etc.
4. A research programme explaining and justifying your methodology
5. A literature review in the relevant domains identifying the key theories and examples, etc.
6. A narrative describing the analysis and development of an artefact (whose nature will depend on your award)
7. A test plan, documentation and results
8. 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 a requirement that you meet on a weekly basis for approximately 30 minutes to present your project progress (part-time students every two weeks). In addition, you must attend the 50-minute timetabled lectures that will run for the first part of the semester. 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 books/papers:
1. Joyner, R.L., Rouse, W.A. and Glatthorn, A.A., (2018). Writing the winning thesis or dissertation: A step-by-step guide. Corwin press.
2. Hart, C., (2018). Doing a literature review: Releasing the research imagination. Sage.

You will need access to these resources:

1. The Module Handbook and Blackboard;
2. The Masters project management system (on Blackboard);
3. Guided reading material from textbooks, journals and recommended online resources in the research domain;
4. Word processing software, statistical analysis packages, and presentation software;
5. Relevant software and hardware to be determined as part of the scoping of the dissertation).

Students must have passed the Research Methods module before enrolling on this module.