| Unit name | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCI30050 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Sealy |
| 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 |
N/A |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
The dissertation is an extended piece of written work which gives you the opportunity to identify and investigate a particular question in depth and explore it systematically. You should explore a range of appropriate methodological options, research the literature on a specialist area within sociology, and discover an original angle on your selected topic. Your aim is to develop and present independent critical thought on a research question of sociological relevance, which has been chosen by you having consulted your supervisor.
In addition to this intrinsic value, successful completion of the dissertation also demonstrates the student’s ability to work independently to design and manage a research project, to carry out high level academic analysis, and their ability to present this data to the highest standard. It is therefore the capstone of the UG Sociology programme.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The dissertation is an integral part of the single honours UG programme and is mandatory for all single honours students, as well as optional for joint honours students.
An overview of content:
The content of the dissertation unit is dedicated to supporting your research into the context of your choosing. Content will be delivered via three methods. The first is the dissertation lectures, which introduce you to the dissertation process, and provide guidance on designing and writing up your project. Secondly data workshops provide in-depth guidance on specific research methods relevant to sociological research. The final approach is individualised, as you work one-on-one with your assigned supervisor for personalised, detail guidance on your research.
On successful completion of the unit, tyou will have produced an extended piece of work which demonstrates a detailed understanding of your chosen topic, capacity to apply or interrogate sociological concepts, an ability to present research professionally and cogently.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit:
As a result of completing the dissertation you will have made a contribution to the academic literature on the topic, and so advanced the sum total of human knowledge in your chosen area. This is an achievement to be proud of, and the dissertation can therefore be a source of confidence in your own abilities. The independent learning that categorises dissertation research is also the chance for you to develop a variety of skills (including time management, project management, data gathering, data analysis, written and oral communication), and also resilience as you manage the project.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify and conducted an independent piece of research on a sociological topic
2. Plan a viable research project
3. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of their chosen topic
4. Produce an extended piece of cogently argued written work
5. Present their work to an audience of peers and staff members
Your research will be supported by dissertation lectures in TB1 and TB2, and data collection and analysis workshops. The lectures will be delivered by the dissertation coordinator and cover the main stages of the dissertation, and the topics for the workshops will be decided on the basis of your preference and staff capacity. The majority of your learning will be through independent research on their topic of choice, and via their methodology of choice, with the support of an assigned supervisor.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
There will be two formative assessments: a maximum 2500 word draft literature review (TB1) and a maximum 2500 chapter draft (TB2). Both are submitted directly to the supervisor.
You will also have the choice of participating in a dissertation conference, in order to receive peer feedback on your work and to develop your presentation skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
You will be assessed by two summative points of assessment: a 2000 word research proposal (10% of the final grade) and a 10,000 word final dissertation (90% of the grade).
When assessment does not go to plan:
Subject to the university regulations for taught programmes, you may be offered an opportunity for reassessment in the failed element(s). This will comprise a task of the same format as the original assessment.
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. SOCI30050).
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.
