Unit information: Dissertation (Conversion) in 2025/26

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

Unit name Dissertation (Conversion)
Unit code PSYCM0071
Credit points 60
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director Dr. Turk
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

NA

School/department School of Psychological Science
Faculty Faculty of Life Sciences

Unit Information

The aim of this unit is to apply research techniques to a particular psychological question, under the supervision of a member of academic staff. The project is typically conducted during the Summer term but preparation should start earlier, when NHS Ethics or other more complex ethical approval is required. This unit will also give students exposure to the diversity of research being conducted in the School via their participation in the experimental hours scheme.

Your learning on this unit

The central learning outcome is that students should understand the principles underlying design, implementation and communication of a research project.

On successful completion of this unit, a student will be able to:

  1. Identify an appropriate research question that requires the application of quantitative, or qualitative, techniques in psychological science.
  2. Demonstrate initiative in the design, development or enquiry required to address an original research question.
  3. Select accurate techniques and demonstrate personal responsibility for conducting an empirical investigation in psychology.
  4. Summarise solutions to a research problem and interpret research findings.
  5. Write up a research report appropriate to psychological science.

How you will learn

The project process begins with a presentation of the topic areas UoB members of academic staff are able to supervise.

Once a student is allocated a supervisor there will be regular meetings with the supervisor during which there will be discussion of hypotheses and appropriate design/analysis to test those hypotheses. During the course of the dissertation process, there will be timetabled meetings to ensure that projects are on track. Supervisors do not read drafts of dissertations; therefore, students should note that discussions with their supervisors play a critical role.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which do not count towards your mark but are required for credit (zero-weighted):

  • Experimental Hours: participate in a number of studies as a member of the school's experimental hours scheme or complete an equivalent written activity (pass/fail) (0%). Students must also make a reasonable attempt of the Research Project Proposal for the award of credit.

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

  • Research Presentation (10%)
  • Research dissertation in American Psychological Association (APA) style with a maximum of 8,000 words. The final mark based on supervisor's report (5%) and dissertation (85%).

Resources

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. PSYCM0071).

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.