Dissertation
| Module title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM000 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Dr Tim Taylor (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 weeks | 11 weeks | 11 weeks |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 24 |
|---|
Module description
This module is the dissertation associated with the Masters programme and is designed to enable students to produce a project dissertation under supervision, and to demonstrate project design, development, evaluation and synthesis skills.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the dissertation is to enable students to demonstrate their ability to design, conduct, evaluate and write up a project on a topic that is of relevance to the title and aim of their award and in doing so, to demonstrate self-direction, originality and an ability to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of project skills at an advanced professional level.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Systematically and critically review relevant theory and methodology in the design and development of an independent project
- 2. Provide evidence of skills in the formulation of research questions, identification of aims and objectives and clarification and justification of choice of methodological approach
- 3. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise a projects findings and interpret their relevance within the context of established or emerging theories, policies and/or professional practice
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Demonstrate self direction and originality in tackling and solving problems in the conduct of a project that is methodologically and ethically sound
- 5. Present a logically argued and clearly written project report that will aim to enhance knowledge and understanding of an area of practice at an advanced level
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Critically evaluate and reflect upon their own strengths, limitations and performance with reference to the design, development, organisation and write up of the project
Syllabus plan
Students will work under the supervision of a member of staff who is able to guide the student through the dissertation process.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 530 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 15 | Dissertation workshops (3 x 5 hours) to cover topics such as dissertation format and writing, working with supervisors and the assessment guidance and criteria |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 40 | Dissertation supervision meetings (scheduled by arrangement between individual students and supervisors). |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 15 | Group meetings (in person or online) with fellow students and/or programme tutors to share progress and receive formative feedback (typically 5 hours per term). |
| Guided Independent Study | 100 | Resource gathering and in-depth reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 250 | Project design and implementation |
| Guided Independent Study | 180 | Preparation and writing of dissertation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedback and discussion with supervisor | Monthly (~30 hours) | 2,3,4 | Verbal and online |
| Presentation to peers and staff | Ongoing (~ termly) | 2,3,4 | Verbal feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project report | 100 | 12-18,000 words | 1-5 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project report | Project report | 1-5 | Typically within 12 weeks of the result |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Hart, C. (2002). Doing a Literature Review. London, Sage Publications.
Hart, C. (2005). Doing Your Masters Dissertation. London, Sage Publicatios.
LockD. (2007).The Essentials of Project Management (3rd edition). Aldershot, Gower Publishing
Oliver, P. (2004). Writing Your Thesis. London, Sage Publications.
Rudestam, K. and Newton, R. (2007). Surviving your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process (3rd edition). London, Sage Publications.
Swetnam, D. (2005). How to Plan, Prepare and Present Successful Work (3rd edition). Trowbridge, Cromwell Press Ltd.
A full list of recommended resources will be available on the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE, http://as.exeter.ac.uk/it/systems/ele/)
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Up to date web links will be available on the module ELE page.
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | Stage 1 and Stage 2 modules in the linked programme(s).
|
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 16/10/12 |
| Last revision date | 20/05/2015 |
