Short Dissertation A (M3106)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

The dissertation module involves researching and writing a 5,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice. Having chosen your research topic in consultation with a supervisor, you work under the guidance of your supervisor for teaching block one. The teaching component is seminar based. The seminars are designed to equip you with the research skills required to complete your dissertation. The topics covered include: research methodology, writing up, advanced word processing and researching online. You submit a 2,000-word research proposal to your supervisor and receive feedback on this. You also present your research proposals to the tutor and the other students at one of the seminars towards the end of the first term. The module seeks to develop the skills of independent research and learning; good time management; the ability to reflect upon progress; and an appreciation of the value of constructive criticism.


You cannot undertake both Short Dissertation A and B and this module cannot be taken if you are completing the 30-credit dissertation module.

Teaching

100%: Seminar

Assessment

100%: Written assessment (Dissertation)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 12 hours of contact time and about 138 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to COVID-19, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let our applicants know of material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: