| Unit name | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCIM1000 |
| Credit points | 60 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52) |
| Unit director | Dr. Ashley Dodsworth |
| 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?
A dissertation gives students the chance to explore their specific area of interest, in depth, and with the support of an academic expert. It is a unique opportunity to focus on the issues that the student cares about, and to make their own contribution to human knowledge, and to the relevant academic literature in particular.
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 PGT programme as it gives students the opportunity to develop the skills of postgraduate study in reference to the issues that mean the most of them.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
The dissertation is an integral part of the MSc programme and is therefore compulsory for all students (with the exception of those on the MSc Society, Politics, and Climate Change programme). The ability to design, implement, and present an independent research project is a core competency of postgraduate study and is therefore a requirement of completing the course. Students cannot be awarded a Master’s degree without passing their dissertation.
The content of the dissertation unit is dedicated to scaffolding students to develop their research into the context on their choosing. Content will be delivered via three methods. The first is the dissertation lectures, which introduce students to the dissertation process, and provide guidance on designing and writing up their project. Secondly the methods clinics provide in-depth guidance on specific research methods relevant to sociology and politics research, from experts who use their methods in their own teaching. These two strands are cohort wide, to help create a sense of community for SPAIS PGT students. The final approach is however individualised, as students work one-on-one with their assigned supervisor for personalised, detail guidance on their research.
As a result of completing the dissertation students will have made a contribution to the academic literature on the topic, and so advanced the sum total of human knowledge in their chosen area. This is an achievement to be proud of, and the dissertation can therefore be a source of confidence in their own abilities. The independent learning that categorises dissertation research is also the chance for students to own their own academic contribution and to develop their resilience as they manage the project.
Learning Outcomes:
The students research will be supported by the dissertation lectures in TB1 and TB2, and the methods clinics in TB2. The lectures will be delivered by the dissertation coordinator and the topics for the methods clinics will be decided on the basis of student preference and staff capacity. The majority of student learning will be through independent research on their topic of choice, and via their methodology of choice, with the support of an assigned supervisor.
Students will be assessed by two summative points of assessment: a 1500 word research proposal (15% of the final grade) and a 12,000 word final dissertation (85% of the grade). The proposal will be due mid TB2 and the dissertation deadline will be set according to the University wide postgraduate dissertation deadline.
There will be two formative assessments, a max 250 word outline of the dissertation that will be used to match students to supervisors, and a maximum 3000 word draft chapter submitted to the supervisor in the summer.
Students will also have the choice of participating in a dissertation conference in the summer, in order to receive peer feedback on their work and to develop their presentation skills.
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. SOCIM1000).
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.
