Accessibility statement

Railway Studies Independent Study Module - MAN00104M

« Back to module search

  • Department: The York Management School
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. David Turner
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2021-22
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

The purpose of the MA Dissertation is to enable students to design, execute, and report on an in-depth self-directed piece of research in an area of national or international railway history, or a related subject (i.e. traffic, transport or mobility), chosen by the student.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Autumn Term 2021-22 to Summer Vacation 2021-22

Module aims

The purpose of the MA Dissertation is to enable students to design, execute, and report on an in-depth self-directed piece of research in an area of national or international railway history, or a related subject (i.e. traffic, transport or mobility), chosen by the student.

Module learning outcomes

Upon completion of the dissertation students will have demonstrated that they are able to:

  • Carry out a substantial research project on an issue related to the history of railways or a related subject (i.e. traffic, transport or mobility).
  • Apply knowledge and skills of research methods learnt throughout the Postgraduate Diploma in Railway Studies and the study and formative research skills module undertaken in the autumn term.
  • Undertake empirical research involving collection of primary material (where appropriate).
  • Undertake secondary analysis of existing data and information (where appropriate).
  • Critically analyse relevant bodies of literature in the chosen topic area.
  • Prepare and write a well-presented and substantial assessment.
  • Engage with ethical issues in undertaking research.

Module content

The Independent Study Module gives students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the first six modules of the MA in Railway Studies to the design and execution of a major piece of research. The students will write a 12,000 word dissertation on an aspect of British or international railways or a related field, (i.e. traffic, transport or mobility). In the first three months of study they will also complete a short formative research study skills module.

Students are expected to show in their dissertations an understanding of the broader intellectual and disciplinary context of their research and its relation to existing research literature. They are required to relate their research to conceptual, theoretical and epistemological issues and debates. Students are required to design a suitable methodology for their study and, where appropriate, may choose either a quantitative, qualitative or ‘mixed methods’ approach.

The dissertation is an independent piece of empirical research, which is led by the student. Throughout the entire process the student will work under close direction of the supervisor. Students are entitled to a maximum of 10 hours of personal supervision. (This includes any of the supervisor’s time whether by meeting, email, telephone, skype or in person). The supervisor will read up to around 3000 words of draft work during the course of their supervision. It is the student’s responsibility to contact and seek help from their supervisor. The supervisor will work with students at all stages of the dissertation process, and give advice on important areas such as:

1. Planning the study and formulating a research question

2. Carrying out a literature review

3. Designing an appropriate methodology

4. Undertaking analysis

5. Organising the structure of the written work

These subjects will also form the basis for the content of study skills module. This will have a test at the end which the students will have to pass to enable them to complete the module. The test can however be taken as many times as is required.

Students will have access to module area on the VLE where they will undertake the study and research skills module, discuss issues of common concern, share useful material, and contact the supervisor through a personal journal.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
12000 word dissertation		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Feedback to students will be given following final examination board.

Indicative reading

.


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.