MSc Dissertation - 2025 entry

This dissertation will give you the chance to demonstrate your knowledge, to exercise your initiative and personal responsibility, and to use the research techniques and skills you have developed throughout your degree.

You will be required to solve a research or industrially-related practical problem based on the topics learned within, but not exclusive to, the MSc programme you are registered for. The project work will lead to a major piece of work (dissertation) of approximately 15,000 words (max. 80 pages, including references and appendices) that involves project planning, analytical, experimental or empirical results and their interpretation, showing how the goals of the project have been met. You will receive a list of potential projects and will be required to express your two preferences. Alternatively, you can discuss your own dissertation ideas with the module leader / potential supervisor (academic staff) with a view to explore if they offer required technical rigour and research challenge. You will be encouraged to discuss your preferences with relevant academic staff before we allocate projects. As part of the research project, you are expected to undertake a considerable amount of self-study. There is no formal taught component in the module, apart from suggested regular meetings with the supervisor.

All compulsory modules listed for (or equivalent) the MSc programme you are registered for.

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes. The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module (shown in brackets):

(The dissertations may be design or research oriented with different mixtures of experimental, empirical or analytical work. The mapping to intended learning outcomes (ILOs) depends on the emphasis of the project on design, experiment, collecting empirical data, and analytical work. Students will demonstrate which ILOs the individual components of their dissertation addresses.)

 Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of knowledge in areas (mathematics, statistics, natural sciences, engineering) appropriate to the chosen research project at the forefront of the academic discipline and apply it to solve complex problems. (M1)

2. Apply appropriate engineering analysis methods for solving complex problems in engineering and to assess their limitations. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (M2).

3. Use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

4. Collect and analyse research data and to use appropriate engineering analysis tools in tackling unfamiliar problems, such as those with uncertain or incomplete data or specifications, by the appropriate innovation, use or adaptation of engineering analytical methods.

5. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information and show comprehensive understanding of research techniques and methodologies applicable to the research area of the project (M4).

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

6. Demonstrate critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights most of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the specialisation.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

7. Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis, applying knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights (C15).

8. Illustrate effective communication skills on complex engineering matters for technical and non-technical audiences using a variety of commonly available media and techniques (M17).