Dissertation
| Module title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL3040 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Stephen Greasley (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 300 |
|---|
Module description
The dissertation module will equip you with a detailed knowledge of one particular topic within the discipline. You’ll gain an ability to design and carry out independent research and will benefit from the support and supervision of a member of academic staff.
Module aims - intentions of the module
To equip you with a detailed knowledge of one particular subject within politics. To develop your capacity to organise your own research time. To allow you to benefit from one-to-one tuition from an established lecturer.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Devise your own research project, the terms of which must be approved by an established full-time lecturer
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 2. Analyse a subject in the field of politics in great detail
- 3. Engage in primary research of political material
- 4. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the appropriate literatures
- 5. Demonstrate a high standard of presentation and writing skills
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Organise your own time over the two terms
- 7. Manage and plan work time over a lengthy period
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 292 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 2 | Supervisor meetings (4x30 minute meetings) |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity | 6 | Dissertation skills sessions |
| Guided independent study | 292 | Researching your topic and writing it |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discussions with supervisor | 4 x 30 minutes meetings | 1-7 | Verbal |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100 | 10,000 words | 1-7 | Written and verbal |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Dissertation (10,000 words) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
This will depend on the subject studied.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Regardless of what topic you choose the following books will help you plan, research and execute your dissertation:
Bryan Greetham, How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation (Palgrave 2014)
Kate Williams, Planning Your Dissertation (Pocket Study Skills, 2013)
Nicholas William, Your Undergraduate Dissertation (SAGE, 2013)
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/10/1999 |
| Last revision date | 28/02/2012 |
