GEO8089 : Research Dissertation
GEO8089 : Research Dissertation
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Ingrid A. Medby
- Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
Semester 3 Credit Value: | 60 |
ECTS Credits: | 30.0 |
European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
N/A
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Code | Title |
---|---|
GEO8015 | Doing Geographical Research |
GEO8017 | Human Geography: Concepts in Action |
HSS8003 | Dissertation Preparation |
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
• To allow students to undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice, subject to the approval of the Programme Director.
• To allow the application and development of:
- relevant research methods (generic and subject-specific)
- relevant research skills (generic and subject-specific)
Module Outline: Students will have undertaken training for their Research Dissertation and the production of a Research Dissertation Proposal within other MA modules. The Programme Director will have approved choice of topic and allocated a relevant supervisor.
Outline Of Syllabus
Research Dissertation Guidelines booklet
From Week 10 of Semester 2 attend a minimum of two supervisions with allocated Supervisor.
Module content will comprise:
- individual meetings between supervisor and student
- independent primary research by the student which will vary in nature according to the topic selected
- the production of a Research Dissertation by the student
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
The ability to plan, execute and write up a high-level (MA) piece of original research.
The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to undertake in-depth research on a topic which they feel is both important and interesting. In addition, the dissertation enables students to practise and develop skills which may subsequently be used in related activities such as writing for publication or research for a PhD, in particular the critical use of literature, evidence and research techniques.
Intended Skill Outcomes
The ability to plan a research project.
The ability to analyze abstract concepts
The ability to manage time.
The ability to select the appropriate research methods.
The ability to communicate research findings in writen form.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Present in Person 'Module Introduction' lecture with ML in S1 |
Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 300:00 | 300:00 | N/A |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | One to one meeting with the module leader |
Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Dissertation/project related supervision | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | One-to-one meetings with nominated supervisors |
Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 294:00 | 294:00 | N/A |
Total | 600:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The module handbook has been clearly designed to provide all the basic information necessary to start the dissertation planning. One-to-one sessions with the module leader will provide bespoke guidance to develop research ideas into a doable project.
Each student is required to:
* see the supervisor at an initial meeting to discuss the proposed topic of the dissertation;
* prepare a dissertation proposal, giving details on the topic, a literature review, the proposed structure, the methodology, research sources and timetable. The student will arrange a second meeting with the supervisor to discuss the proposal;
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dissertation | 3 | M | 100 | Research Dissertation (15,000 words) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The Dissertation project is the summation of the student's efforts in undertaking an original research project of their own conception and design. The Dissertation will demonstrate how the students have formulated their research topic, situated them in the appropriate literature, developed a conceptual framework and methodology, undertaken research, analysed, interpreted and discussed findings, drawn conclusions and delivered a well-written, well-presented report to the appropriate academic standard.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- GEO8089's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- GEO8089's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.