Accessibility statement

Dissertation - MST00011M

« Back to module search

  • Department: Centre for Medieval Studies
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Nicola McDonald
  • Credit value: 80 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

The research dissertation is the opportunity for students to apply the skills developed during the taught component of their degree to create a sustained work of academic analysis.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

Each student devises their own project, with support from tutors and advisors. Dedicated work begins in semester two and continues through the summer vacation, in consultation with a dissertation advisor, who is a specialist in an area related to the project. In creating their research dissertation, students will be expected to demonstrate the following: an ability to plan and manage projects; to devise a research question and use a range of traditional and electronic sources to address this; to further develop their drafting, writing and editing skills; and to present research in a coherent and professional manner.

Module learning outcomes

  • To identify a research question and to analyse and interpret primary and secondary sources
  • To develop the ability to assess and critique the research of others
  • To develop clear and concise writing and editing skills
  • To develop critical thinking and intellectual independence
  • To demonstrate the ability to contextualise research and use methodological processes to structure arguments
  • To develop the ability to plan and lead structured projects to time

Assessment

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

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

Students receive formative feedback on their dissertation proposal and on their evolving plans for the project. They have the opportunity to submit a draft of each chapter to their advisor for comment. In addition, they will present their emerging project at a dissertation conference, to receive feedback from fellow students and staff.

Students should expect their results for the Dissertation and the MA as a whole to be confirmed within 8 weeks of the final submission deadline.

Indicative reading

Key reading will vary based on advice provided by each student's individual dissertation advisor.


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.