| Unit name | Dissertation (MSc AFM) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ACFIM0012 |
| Credit points | 60 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Wang |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Accounting and Finance - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
The dissertation is an extended report of an independent study, undertaking a thorough investigation of a specific question. This unit provides students with an opportunity to delve into extensive reading and apply research skills to their chosen area of study, selected from a diverse range of projects. These projects may take the form of empirical research or library-based inquiries, offering flexibility for adaptation in methodology or field of inquiry. Student learning is enriched through regular individual and/or small group supervision sessions, emphasizing the dissertation as a predominantly individual piece of work. The Business School engages a diverse range of staff for dissertation supervision. This approach ensures individualised guidance for students and harnesses the skills and expertise of academics from various disciplines, contributing to a comprehensive and enriching learning experience.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The Dissertation unit provides students an opportunity to integrate key concepts and theories obtained throughout their study in MSc Accounting, Finance and Management. It equips students with the necessary skills for independent research. Students can delve into the frontier of research on a chosen topic and demonstrate proficiency in framing research questions, critically reviewing literature, applying appropriate methodologies, analysing data, contributing to academic debates, and presenting their findings in a clear, grammatically correct manner.
An overview of content
The Dissertation unit unfolds across multiple teaching blocks, each contributing to students' understanding of the research process. In TB 1, foundational knowledge is laid with two lectures on essential aspects. TB2 marks a pivotal phase, with an introductory talk guiding students through research methods, topic selection, and proposal development. Students are then grouped into 'quantitative' and 'qualitative' streams for focused learning. TB2 comprises a series of lectures and exercises, empowering students with critical evaluation skills and research capabilities, assessed through an individual assignment. TB3 witnesses the culmination of efforts as students present a proposal and craft a dissertation, tailored to their respective streams.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
This unit will enable students to emerge with a profound grasp of research methodologies, refined analytical thinking, and the ability to navigate the intricacies of academic literature. The experience cultivates a resilience to approach real-world problems, fostering adaptability and independent thinking. Beyond knowledge acquisition, students will develop project management skills, honing their ability to work autonomously, meet deadlines, and engage in collaborative discourse.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the dissertation, students will be able to:
For research methods trainings, lectures and seminars will prepare students for independently conducting research in accounting, finance and management.
In TB3, students will be allocated an appropriate supervisor based on their topic choice. This will allow students to obtain feedback and guidance on their ongoing dissertation related research from an expert.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
In-class formative assessment and feedback during Research Methods training. Regular feedback and guidance from allocated supervisors during TB3.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The assessment of the dissertation unit will be segmented into three main elements:
1. Research Methods Assessment (25% of the final dissertation mark):
2. The Dissertation Proposal, (worth 10% of the final dissertation mark), comprises a written component and a 10-minute in-person presentation. For the written component, students are expected to prepare a 1000-word proposal on their chosen topic, which may include a survey of the literature and outline future research steps. The presentation provides an opportunity for students to share their ideas with their allocated supervisor and a small group of peers who have chosen a similar topic. If a student has exceptional circumstances that mean they are unable to do a presentation, an alternative assessment will be arranged, ILO1, ILO2, ILO3 and ILO7
3. The Final Dissertation Project (65% of the final dissertation mark): This component (8,000 to 12,000 words), ILO1, ILO2, ILO3, ILO4, ILO5, ILO6 and ILO7
When assessment does not go to plan
When a student fails the unit and is eligible to resubmit, failed components will be reassessed on the following:
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ACFIM0012).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
