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Information and guidance on the expectations and assessment criteria for the dissertation will be provided through Blackboard. Appropriate arrangements for supervision will be put in place at the outset, and reviewed as you develop a research plan. The production of a research plan is required but not assessed. Supervision will be conducted electronically, via email, Blackboard, and where appropriate, Skype. You will be required to maintain a research log on Blackboard.

An essay of this length and complexity will provide ample opportunity to demonstrate the relevant learning outcomes. The essay completion date will depend on the point in the academic year that you started the award, and the level of engagement as a part-time student.

[Learning Outcomes 1-3]

The dissertation is the culmination of the MA award and provides an opportunity for you to develop a sustained inquiry into a research question of your own choosing. Normally, this will have arisen from work already undertaken in earlier stages of the MA. The dissertation is a major research project involving considerable scholarship, innovation in formulating and addressing an issue, and a variety of skills in bringing the project to successful completion. Successful completion of the dissertation is an important indication of the ability to carry on with research in the field.

Library, IT facilities, access to supervisor.