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

Address and adherence to existing and accepted standards

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

Address of innovation and originality in solutions

Application of appropriate mathematical techniques in relation to projects

Software design standards (e.g. PAS754 Trustworthy Software)

Cybersecurity for individuals and large scale systems threats and the management of potential risks

Written Report– The written report will include an initial project plan and literature review. The purpose is to establish that the student has adequately planned the dissertation and identified appropriate literature on which to base the work. In addition, the student should submit their RM method proposal (subject to supervisor review or an alternative agreed by the supervisor) to get their Course Leader approval. (Learning Outcomes 1 and 2).

Dissertation – A formal dissertation that documents the work undertaken by the student. The dissertation will cover topics of introduction, literature review, research methodolgy, designs, implementation, testing/validation, and evaluation of an artefact (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7).
Viva / Demonstration - A final viva voce defence of the written dissertation and artefact consisting of a demonstration and discussion of the dissertation and associated contents (Learning Outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7).

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. 8 hours of one-to-one supervisory meetings over a 16 weeks (maximum) period.

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

Analysis, Reflection


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

Enquiry, Application, Problem Solving

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

Bui, Y, N. (2019) How to Write a Master's Thesis, SAGE Publications, Inc

Mars, N. (2019) Academic Writing & Research: How to Write a Good, Strong, Important and Interesting Thesis, ¿Independently published

Will be relevant to each students' individual dissertation title.

Each student must perform a large project for this module on a research or implementation topic of their choice from among those suggested by the project supervisors. Students will have hands-on practise organising, carrying out, documenting, and presenting a sizable original piece of work. The purpose of this unit is to give students a significant opportunity to combine material from all taught units they have studied as part of the programme in order to demonstrate the breadth and depth of their learning for the MSc. Every MSc project is supervised by a qualified academic staff member, occasionally with the help of a postdoctoral research associate, doctorate student, or outside industrial adviser or supervisor. Throughout the course of this unit, all students are required to meet often with their supervisor (and any co-supervisors).