Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To enable students to undertake a sustained piece of independent research at postgraduate level in preparation for PhD study, selecting an appropriate topic and identifying suitable research methodologies. Students will extend the research knowledge and skills acquired on the Researcher Education and Development (RED) HSS modules through a more substantial and sustained piece of writing.
To enable students to apply appropriate methodologies to a single piece of research, exploring relevant interpretations and analyses.
To enable students to organise and plan their research and to present their findings in a sustained and coherent written form.


The topic for the dissertation and appropriate research methodologies and approaches will be determined in consultation between the student, the programme director and any other member(s) of academic staff who will act as a supervisor of the dissertation.

The topic chosen will take into account the interests and previous experience of the student, including any plans he or she may have for future PhD study, the academic traditions of the subject and opportunities for cross-disciplinary work where appropriate.

Outline Of Syllabus

The MLitt is a flexible, individually-tailored research programme. In consultation with the primary supervisor, students write a dissertation of between 16,000 and 18,000 words.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

A broader and more detailed understanding of the student's chosen research topic, and an improved awareness of how to research and write extended study on that topic.
Students should demonstrate a firm base in the theoretical and research-methods literature for the area in question.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students should be able to identify a substantial research topic, to establish appropriate parameters for its content and relevant research methodologies.
Students should be able to undertake such research, producing a coherent sustained written analysis of its outcome.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Preparation for the dissertation will normally include supervision by one or more members of staff, guided reading and private study. There may also be a considerable amount of fieldwork, but the amount will depend on the nature of the dissertation (i.e. to what extent it involves text study vs. gathering data from human subjects).
The balance between tutorial and private-study time reflects the stress on guided independent research that underlies this module, though the exact ratio will be a matter for negotiation between the student and PGR Director, and will depend upon the nature of the dissertation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students must submit a dissertation of between 16,000-18,000 words in length including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography.
The final title shall be agreed between student and supervisor at the latest by the beginning of Summer Research Period (for full-time students) and by the beginning of Semester 2 (Year Two) for part-time students. Minor modifications of wording of the title may be agreed up to submission. The title will be notified to the PGR Director when agreed and recorded on the MLitt Programme of Study Form.

General Notes

N/A