Dissertation
| Module title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | PAMM105 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Ms Lucy Banfield (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 1-12 | 1-12 | 1-12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
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, and 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. In doing so they will 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.
- 7. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility for independent learning and continuing professional development.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 550 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & 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 | 20 | Dissertation supervision meetings (Scheduled by arrangement between individual students and supervisors). |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 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 | 200 | 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 | 2-3,4,7 | Verbal and online |
| Presentation to peers and staff | Ongoing (~termly) | 2-3,4,7 | 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 | 1-7 | 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 (100%) | Project report (resubmission of original project with amendments) | 1-7 | Typically within 12 weeks of the result |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Practical Statistics for Medical Research, Altman D.G. (2005), Chapman & Hall, ISBNA 1-58-488039-2 (UL:W 150 ALT)
Handbook of qualitative research methods for psychology and the social sciences. Richardson, T. E. (1996). Leicester: British Psychological Society Books.
Methodological issues and strategies in clinical research, Kazdin, A. E. (2003) (3rd ed). Washington DC: American Psychological Association.
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=6303
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 05/11/2015 |
| Last revision date | 27/07/2018 |