Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project
| Module title | Dissertation or Research Consultancy Project |
|---|---|
| Module code | SSIM919 |
| Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Dr Chris Playford (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
In consultation with a supervisor, you will undertake an extended piece of original research using social data science in a subject area related to your interests. This may involve a non-academic partner if you choose to complete a dissertation based on a research consultancy project.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to:
- provide you with an opportunity to conduct independent research-based academic work using social data science methods
- allow you to investigate a topic which is of interest to you
- enable you to apply skills which will be of use for future data science career or further research
- develop your ability to apply originality and data science skills alongside theory and practice to a specific research topic. This may be consultancy or workplace based.
- enhance your awareness of the methodological, ethical and practical concerns of social science and data-driven research.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a specialised subject area;
- 2. design an individual research programme, incorporating appropriate social data science methods;
- 3. collate and analyse subject-specific information from a range of appropriate sources.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of sources;
- 5. demonstrate how research fits within a wider policy context and the implications that the research will have for policy practitioners.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. develop cogent arguments;
- 7. communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing;
- 8. undertake an individual research project;
- 9. manage your own work.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
1. Research project skills workshops – two sessions to prepare students.
2. At least four supervision meetings: one to discuss the research project plan, followed by three meetings to give academic guidance including specific feedback on draft work.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 594 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 4 | 2 x 2-hour research project skills workshops |
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 2 | 4 x 30-minute supervision sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | 594 | A variety of private study tasks directed by module leader. These tasks may include (with an indicative number of hours): Reading (170 hours) Preparing project proposal (24 hours) Collecting and analysing data (200 hours) Writing and editing the dissertation (200 hours) |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proposal detailing research or consultancy project | 1500 words | 1-9 | Oral and written 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000-word research dissertation with figures and tables | 100 | 12,000 words | 1-9 | Written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000-word research dissertation with figures and tables | 12,000-word research dissertation with figures and tables | 1-9 | December following the release of results in early November. |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Locke, Lawrence F., Waneen Wyrick Spirduso, and Stephen J. Silverman. Proposals that work: A guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals. Sage Publications, 2013.
Oliver, Paul. Writing your thesis. Sage, 2013.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
R for Data Science
ggplot2: Elegant Graphics for Data Analysis
UK Data Service
https://www.ukdataservice.ac.uk
National Centre for Research Methods
| 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 | 16/02/2022 |