Dissertation
| Module title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM000 |
| Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Dr Tim Taylor (Convenor) Dr Sarah Bell (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 weeks | 11 weeks | 11 weeks |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
This module is the dissertation associated with the Masters programme and is designed to enable students to produce a project dissertation under supervision, and to supportproject design, development, evaluation and synthesis skills development.
The majority of this module is delivered online, with some content delivered in-person during the Dissertation Week.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the dissertation is to enable you to demonstrate your ability to design, conduct, evaluate and write up a project on a topic that is of relevance to the title and aim of your award and in doing so, to demonstrate self-direction, originality and an ability to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of project skills at an advanced professional level.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Provide evidence of skills in the formulation of research questions, identification of aims and objectives and clarification and justification of choice of methodological approach
- 2. Demonstrate understanding of the role of ethics in study design and implementation.
- 3. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise a projects findings and interpret their relevance within the context of established or emerging theories, policies and/or professional practice
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Demonstrate self direction and originality in tackling and solving problems in the conduct of a project that is methodologically and ethically sound
- 5. Present a logically argued and clearly written project report that will aim to enhance knowledge and understanding of an area of practice at an advanced level
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Critically evaluate and reflect upon their own strengths, limitations and performance with reference to the design, development, organisation and write up of the project
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
Students will work under the supervision of a member of staff who is able to guide the student through the dissertation process.
Initial discussions are held with module leads on scope of dissertation, with a brief description sent to module leads to allow allocation of supervisors. All students must complete an ethics application, including description of methods and interview guides where appropriate (questionnaires for quantitative, interview/focus group guides for qualitative). Feedback is given by both the module leads and the supervisor on the design.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 560 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 20 | Interactions with Dissertation leads and possible supervisors to discuss topics and question formation. Discussions on ethics forms and feedback from supervisors and leads. Meetings with module leads and dissertation supervisors in-person during Dissertation Week and discussion by email/phone/Teams/Zoom. |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 20 | Dissertation supervision meetings (scheduled by arrangement between individual students and supervisors) supported by email/phone/Teams/Zoom |
| Guided Independent Study | 30 | Use of online resources on topics including dissertation format and writing, working with supervisors and the assessment guidance and criteria |
| Guided Independent Study | 100 | Resource gathering and in-depth reading |
| Guided Independent Study | 250 | Project design and implementation |
| Guided Independent Study | 180 | Preparation and writing of dissertation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feedback and discussion with supervisor | Monthly (approx. 30 hours) | 1-6 | Verbal, written and online |
| Feedback and discussion with module lead (including ethics) | Proforma ethics form + supporting documents (2-40 pages depending on study design) | 1,2,4 | Verbal, written and online |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project report | 100 | 12-18,000 words | 1-6 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project report (100%) | Project report (12,000- 18,000 words) | 1-6 | Typically within 12 weeks of the result |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Bonner, A. (2011) How to Argue. London, Pearson.
Boynton, P. (2016) The Research Companion: A Practical Guide for those in the Social Sciences, Health and Development. Routledge.
Hart, C. (2002). Doing a Literature Review . London, Sage Publications.
Hart, C. (2005). Doing Your Masters Dissertation . London, Sage Publicatios.
Lock, D. (2007). The Essentials of Project Management (3 rd edition). Aldershot, Gower Publishing
Oliver, P. (2004). Writing Your Thesis . London, Sage Publications.
Rudestam, K. and Newton, R. (2007). Surviving your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process (3 rd edition). London, Sage Publications.
Swetnam, D. (2005). How to Plan, Prepare and Present Successful Work (3 rd edition). Trowbridge, Cromwell Press Ltd.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
A full list of recommended resources will be available on the University of Exeter’s electronic learning environment (ELE, https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/)
Web based and electronic resources:
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites |
|
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 16/10/12 |
| Last revision date | 26/04/2022 |
