Dissertation

EDUC30910 Dissertation 40 Semester 2 Undergraduate Level 6 Kate Sapin Unit coordinator Education 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Last part of a Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 20.0 Students to attend introductory session in week 1 of Semester One. Early in Semester One students will be assigned a supervisor whom they should consult at regular intervals for guidance in the process of planning and writing the dissertation. Course Requirements: A dissertation of around 12,000 words. This may be in the form of a literature review or, where appropriate, be supported by empirical research and/or observations based on practical experience. The dissertation must be typed and bound in soft covers. Students should produce three copies, two to be handed in with one to keep. Links with other courses: The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to synthesise knowledge gained throughout the course and to make connections between and within the course modules. The dissertation allows students to apply their information accessing skills developed throughout the course. ·         The development of detailed research questions that are theoretically grounded and practically feasible to answer·         How to select, design and use appropriate research methodologies and tools·         The planning, organisation and execution of a timetable for data collection, analysis and write-up.The production of a well-structured and clearly written dissertation presenting and analysing findings supported by relevant literature. To give students the opportunity to explore a topic in depth through independent research supported by individual supervision. Knowledge and understanding - understand the requirements of academic writing and have developed a proper respect for the task of academic writing - maintain interest and self-sufficiency in working on a topic of their choosing over time and experience the satisfaction of in-depth academic enquiry - demonstrate their ability to understand, synthesise and apply concepts from a variety of sources and a range of related areas of study Intellectual skills - demonstrate an increased and mature understanding of various aspects of academic research - be familiar with ways of finding sources of support - be aware of how to avoid plagiarism - be familiar with the School of Education's referencing system Practical skills - be prepared for more advanced academic work, such as postgraduate courses - be able to defend one's position more objectively and professionally, both in written and oral form - be confident to write for academic journals Transferable skills and personal qualities - demonstrate a more in-depth awareness of a chosen subject area - work to deadlines more effectively - demonstrate self-motivation in future projects, work or education related - be able to use the knowledge gained for future degree courses or within the job market One-on-one supervision as well as e-mail contact with one's supervisor on a regular basis. In addition, students will receive four one-hour lectures which provide practical advice on how to write a dissertation, which then culminates with a three-hour session in Semester Two in which all students will orally present their dissertation ideas and current progress to their classmates. 0 Other 100% The dissertation will be assessed by the supervisor and another internal examiner. A sample will be sent to the external examiner. The dissertation requires students to write fluently, thematically and to organise their writing into a sound structure. Students must show evidence of wide reading and a capacity to select and synthesise relevant material. Credit will be given for students who succeed in showing links between different elements of the degree course. Dissertation: 12,000 words (100%) Blackboard Y Reading listMost of the reading for the dissertation will be on the specific topic being investigated. Students are advised to refer to the reading lists from previous research based units for suitable sources about research methodology. Fieldwork 100 Seminars 8 Tutorials 4 0 0 Information Lectures : 4 hours Seminars : 3 hours Directed Reading : 33 hours Writing the Dissertation : 60 hours Total Hours : 100 A Dissertation Handbook will be supplied to all final year students.