| Unit name | Dissertation (MSc A&F) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ACFIM0016 |
| Credit points | 60 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Ho |
| 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 a significant component of the MSc Accounting and Finance programme. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students will identify and analyse a research question within the field of accounting and/or finance. This process is an opportunity for students to investigate an original problem, collect and process relevant financial data, conduct a thorough analysis, and form well-founded conclusions. The multi-faceted assessment includes coursework on research methods, a dissertation proposal that outlines their research trajectory, and the final dissertation project.
The unit mainly comprises two distinct components with the second component building on the first: research methods in TB2 and the dissertation project in TB3. The research methods component introduces techniques which will equip students with the skills necessary to critically evaluate the academic literature and produce original research for the dissertation report. Student learning is supported by lectures and exercise lectures/tutorials.
The dissertation is an extended report of an independent study that identifies and investigates a particular question and explores it systematically over a sustained period of time. The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to read extensively and apply research skills to a chosen area of study selected from a range of projects. Student learning is supported by regular individual and/or small group supervision sessions, although the expectation is that the dissertation is primarily an individual piece of work.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The dissertation unit will be a culmination of the main concepts and ideas encountered in the course, applied to a specific project which will be chosen by the student. The objective of the dissertation project is to gain expertise on a specific topic and to get to the frontier of research on this topic.
An overview of content
The dissertation unit in the MSc Accounting and Finance programme is a structured, three-part journey. In TB1, the journey begins with foundational lectures on literature review, academic sources, and academic integrity. TB2 advances this journey, offering training on research methodologies. Here, students choose their path between 'quantitative' and 'qualitative' research streams, delving deeper into their chosen area through a series of targeted lectures and exercise lectures/tutorials. In TB3, with the guidance of an allocated dissertation supervisor, students develop a research proposal before embarking on their final dissertation project.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit?
The dissertation unit will enable students to produce and critically appraise qualitative and quantitative research in accounting and finance. They will build an understanding of the challenges surrounding research projects, including data collection, identifying the relevant academic literature and writing up a report in academic style.
Post completion of this unit, students will gain an understanding of the complexities inherent in research projects, from data collection to academic writing. This experience will sharpen their analytical skills, enhance their ability to synthesise information, and refine their academic writing style. Students will also develop vital project management skills, such as independent work, time management, and adhering to deadlines – competencies that are crucial both in academia and the professional world.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the dissertation, students will demonstrate ability to:
Across TB1 and TB2, lectures and exercise lectures/tutorials will prepare students for independently conducting research in accounting and finance.
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 the Research Methods training (TB2). Regular feedback and guidance from allocated supervisors during TB3.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
There is no assessment in TB1.
The assessment of the dissertation unit will be segmented into three main elements:
1. Research Methods Assessment in TB2 (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. Covering, ILO1, ILO2, ILO3 and ILO7.
3. The Final Dissertation Project in TB3 (65% of the final dissertation mark): This component (8,000 to 12,000 words) covering, 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. ACFIM0016).
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.
