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MSc Dissertation - ENV00066M

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Tamsyn Kiss
  • Credit value: 80 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

This module involves carrying out an individual research project based at the University of York. This module runs alongside the 'Dissertation with placement' module, in which students work with an external partner as part of the module.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Semester 2023-24

Module aims

The MSc dissertation module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth individual research project in an area of interest within the field of environmental science related to sustainability, environmental monitoring, environmental policy, ecology or a range of other environmentally-based topics.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content

  • apply skills acquired from taught modules to the identification and solution of problems in the field of environmental science, showing an understanding of the nature of environmental problems and of their solutions;
  • develop the capacity to undertake independent research that satisfies the normal professional standards of the relevant disciplines; and develop the ability to report research results in a satisfactory way.

Academic and graduate skills

The module provides experience in conducting a piece of independent research with advice and guidance from an experienced researcher. This develops a range of generic skills including:

  • Problem analysis and task prioritisation
  • Time management
  • Effective written reporting of research
  • Effective verbal presentation of results
  • People skills
  • Critical evaluation of economic and scientific data
  • Skills in data analysis
  • Practical skills in data collection
  • Communication of research to peers

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Dissertation		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Standard departmental turn-around of 4 weeks (subject to staff absences during the marking period when feedback will be returned within 6 weeks). Feedback is via a feedback sheet showing comments by markers.

Indicative reading

Will vary depending on topic


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.