Module Descriptors
MASTERS DISSERTATION/PROJECT
GEOG70252
Key Facts
School of Justice, Security and Sustainability
Level 7
60 credits
Contact
Leader: Elizabeth Young
Email: L.Young@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 0
Independent Study Hours: 600
Total Learning Hours: 600
Assessment
- DISSERTATION weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
This module will develop your skills in both research and technical report writing. You will choose a topic area in conjunction with your supervisor (which may be work related), research the relevant background and ancillary information necessary to produce a coherent and achievable project plan. You will execute the project whilst maintaining dialogue with your supervisor about progress and content and ultimately produce a dissertation for which you will also produce a verbal presentation to deliver at the University.
Module Texts
Effective Writing
Turk and Kirkman
E&FN Spon. 1992
Turk and Kirkman
E&FN Spon. 1992
Module Resources
Course textbooks and learning materials - as supplied
Suitable computer that is able to access the WWW, the University server and Blackboard
Library facilities as necessary
Suitable computer that is able to access the WWW, the University server and Blackboard
Library facilities as necessary
Module Additional Assessment Details
The distribution of the assessment within the module will be as follows:
20% allocation relating to aspects of research methodology and report writing skills
10% allocation relating to the production and content of THREE progress reports to the project supervisor throughout the dissertation module (delivered monthly or two-monthly depending upon study mode)
20% allocation relating to an oral presentation
50% allocation relating to the production and content of the final report/thesis
Pass criteria
Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the subject matter, evidence of reading beyond the VLE study guide together with good use of relevant examples. Tasks competently completed.
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7
Merit criteria
A very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality, evidencing well-focussed observations and the addressing of all of the obvious key questions. Evidence of sound reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7
Distinction criteria
Originality and creativity in response. Accurate and thorough understanding of the subject matter, evidence of wide reading beyond the VLE study guide, excellent use of relevant examples. Tasks thoroughly and comprehensively completed.
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7
20% allocation relating to aspects of research methodology and report writing skills
10% allocation relating to the production and content of THREE progress reports to the project supervisor throughout the dissertation module (delivered monthly or two-monthly depending upon study mode)
20% allocation relating to an oral presentation
50% allocation relating to the production and content of the final report/thesis
Pass criteria
Coherence and soundness in response. Good understanding of the subject matter, evidence of reading beyond the VLE study guide together with good use of relevant examples. Tasks competently completed.
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7
Merit criteria
A very good awareness and understanding of the subject matter. Assignments are expressed cogently and lucidly. Work is of good quality, evidencing well-focussed observations and the addressing of all of the obvious key questions. Evidence of sound reading and a thorough critical analysis of the available literature
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7
Distinction criteria
Originality and creativity in response. Accurate and thorough understanding of the subject matter, evidence of wide reading beyond the VLE study guide, excellent use of relevant examples. Tasks thoroughly and comprehensively completed.
See Criterion Referencing Guide in the Student Handbook:
Sect. 8.7
Module Learning Strategies
A 2/3-day workshop (based at the University) prior to undertaking the module
You will attend a workshop at which you will be introduced to the module content and themes, and learning resources. Over subsequent weeks, you will work through course material that provides a structure for reading key texts and papers, and specifying tasks that must be completed. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis. You will also prepare and deliver a presentation on your dissertation at the University.
You will attend a workshop at which you will be introduced to the module content and themes, and learning resources. Over subsequent weeks, you will work through course material that provides a structure for reading key texts and papers, and specifying tasks that must be completed. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis. You will also prepare and deliver a presentation on your dissertation at the University.