• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

Dissertation in Medieval Studies

Module description

The dissertation is the most substantial piece of work you will produce on your MA, and for many students it is one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the course. It is your opportunity to research a topic of your own choosing, subject to approval by your supervisor(s), and to produce a long and original piece of independent research. You can either pursue a topic which falls within one of the disciplines covered by the MA in Medieval Studies, or you can take an interdisciplinary approach: for example, a dissertation which crosses over History and Archaeology or Literature and History. If you are thinking of going on to doctoral study, you can also use the Dissertation as a pilot project for your proposed PhD topic.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module allows you to pursue an individual programme of research on a topic chosen by you and approved by your supervisor and the programme director. It aims to develop your skills at independent research at a high scholarly level. As well as choosing and researching their topic, you will be asked to demonstrate the significance and originality of your topic within the research field; to use an appropriate range of primary and secondary resources; and to use appropriate methodologies and theoretical approaches to set your topic in its historical, cultural and other relevant contexts. The module also requires you to demonstrate your abilities to analyse, synthesise and present cogent arguments in accordance with the academic parameters of a dissertation and to use proper systems of referencing, citation and bibliography.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Display an advanced knowledge of a discipline or disciplines within Medieval Studies
• 2. Review and engage with previous research into both the subject matter of the dissertation and the specialist field to which it relates
• 3. Identify a suitable topic of research and produce a plan for its execution

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Assimilate and critically analyse primary and published sources
• 5. Present a clearly structured, logically argued and well written dissertation with a full scholarly apparatus appropriate to the discipline chosen
• 6. Produce a piece of original research that demonstrates attention to concepts, to detail, and to argument

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 7. Demonstrate independent work that engages with core aspects of a higher degree course
• 8. Write fluently and cogently within word and time limits

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

• Workshops to introduce you to the core requirements of the dissertation as an independent research project
• You will submit a dissertation proposal, outlining your proposed topic of research, methodology and primary sources
• You will be assigned to a suitable supervisor for your project based on your dissertation proposal
• Your allocated dissertation supervisor will meet with you in a series of individual tutorials, giving specific advice on the research topic and the writing up of the dissertation

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

The reading list will depend on the topic chosen for the individual dissertation.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=4161

Key words search

Medieval studies, dissertation, independent study