The dissertation module provides an exciting opportunity for you to undertake
an in-depth study on a topic that you choose for yourself. You will be helped
to develop your topic via a series of tasks on Blackboard, and later your
dissertation supervisor will support you in completing the dissertation itself.
You have up to two semesters in which to complete the dissertation. The
maximum word length is 15,000 words.

Dissertation: 15,000 words

The main focus will be on self-instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying on materials that you source for yourself. Week by week, students will work through self-instructional course material (delivered via Blackboard), which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking the specific tasks set. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but students will be expected to interact and share material and ideas with other students in their learning group and their tutor. The teaching component of the module will run over 6 weeks. After you have worked through the tasks on Blackboard, you will be allocated to a dissertation supervisor who will work with you to develop first your research proposal and then your dissertation. The huge advantage of this module is that you will discuss the ideas for your dissertation with other students studying a range of different topics and also from the perspective of different cognate disciplines, meaning you will expand your analytical frames of understanding, your methodologies, as well as your knowledge.

1. Integrate elements of your learning on the programme as a whole, in particular in your specific subject area.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Apply skills of research (using primary and/or secondary sources).

Analysis

3. Be cognizant with methodological issues.

Enquiry

4. Demonstrate a level of communicative skill appropriate for the Masters level utilising standard notational and referencing conventions.

Communication

Library access and Blackboard

N/A