Dissertation - MST00011M

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  • Department: Centre for Medieval Studies
  • Credit value: 80 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2025-26
  • 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 2025-26 to Summer Semester 2025-26

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

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 100

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.