Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

This module cannot be taken alongside other dissertation modules.

Aims

To provide an opportunity for students undertaking Combined Honours (or Study Abroad in HaSS) to undertake an in-depth, independent project into one or a combination of their subjects of study or a related field. Some subjects offer dissertation modules focusing on their subject but some do not; and even those that do, do not offer the flexibility to undertake an interdisciplinary or creative project.

Therefore this module will give students the opportunity to undertake a substantial project and to foster autonomy, choice and responsibility. At the same time they will receive appropriate support and guidance to enable their success. The focus of this module is very much on the process of learning and of developing academic and professional skills through a project which is embedded within their prior and continuing study in the academic subjects of their degree.

Outline Of Syllabus

i) No previous knowledge of research is required.
ii) In-person workshops will be used to introduce and develop appropriate research approaches and methods, the process tools and skills which will enable students to be successful, and the consideration of module assessment.
iii) Given the likely diversity of the range of topics and individual student approaches to the projects, these sessions will be tailored to address specific requirements, and the supervisory support will also
address this.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1. To have explored in depth a topic from, or related to, your subjects of study or a related field, drawing on relevant concepts and theories and demonstrating your understanding of these.
2. To have applied rigorous research approaches to investigating the research question and used an appropriate framework to do so.
3. To structure a discussion in a coherent and convincing fashion by synthesising the material gathered in the context of the research, summarizing the key arguments, drawing valid conclusions, and relate to the research topic.
4. To demonstrate creative and innovative thinking in at least one aspect of research project work.

Intended Skill Outcomes

1. Develop and demonstrate the cognitive skills of critical thinking, data synthesis and information literacy.
2. Develop and demonstrate the self-management skills of working independently, planning and organising, adaptability, decision making and problem solving.
3. Demonstrate critical reflection of the process of undertaking a project and the impact on their own
learning.
4. Develop and apply understanding of ethical considerations in research planning.
5. Develop and demonstrate the ability to effectively share research outcomes with an relevant audience.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Workshops provide advice on the approaches required to undertake research project work as well as space to knowledge share, problem solve, articulate thinking, and gain peer feedback and support. Individual Supervision
ascertains progress, provides formative feedback and feed forward, and facilitates problem solving and supported
independent learning. Students will be allocated a personal supervisor from the Combined Honours staff.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The student will identify their own research question and scope the project, and produce a research outline in Semester 1. In Semester 2 students complete the project and produce an output which may vary in format; this is assessed in a double marking process. Students will then reflect formally on the competing their project and their learning; this will take the form of an assessed interview. NB: This module is designed to operate in consultation and partnership with the students and this process will co-determine details of the assessments such as weighting, format and criteria.

General Notes

n/a