This module gives students the chance to work at an advanced level as independent scholars. Most taught modules are assessed by essays that require independent research. The research dissertation (independent study module) develops these skills further, and applies practices introduced by the research training module. It is the culmination of the MA, and is heavily weighted in terms of assessment.
Typically, students discuss a preliminary idea with their MA convener in the Autumn Term and conduct preliminary primary and secondary research to scope the project. In week 7 of the Spring Term they submit a 500-word dissertation proposal (this is the summative assessment for the Research Training module). Substantive work on the dissertation commences once the taught programme has been completed, supported by a dissertation adviser allocated by the department. This will normally involve a period of advanced ‘secondary’ research leading to a literature survey, and ‘primary’ research using documents and leading to the writing of specialist chapters, or sections. The finished dissertation has a maximum word limit of 20,000 words, and uses standard academic conventions.
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Summer Term 2021-22 to Summer Vacation 2021-22 |
The dissertation aims to:
Students who complete this module successfully will:
Teaching Programme:
Students are undertaking an independently researched project, not a taught module. They will continue, however, to have support, advice, and feedback from their dissertation advisor as they work to produce their dissertation. They will have meetings with their advisor in the Summer Term and Summer Vacation to discuss the feasibility of the project, and to provide feedback on a draft chapter. Students will also attend a dissertation workshop in the Summer Term at which they will present their dissertation plans.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 20000 word dissertation |
N/A | 100 |
None
A dissertation written and presented according to departmental conventions.
Task | Length | % of module mark |
---|---|---|
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 20000 word dissertation |
N/A | 100 |
Students will receive written feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline. For more information, see the Statement of Assessment for Taught Postgraduate Programmes.
There are no key texts for this module.