Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module ECON51845: FINANCE DISSERTATION

Department: Business School (Economics and Finance)

ECON51845: FINANCE DISSERTATION

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 45 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap
Tied to L1K209
Tied to L1K309
Tied to L1K709
Tied to L1K809
Tied to L1K609
Tied to L1K509
Tied to L1K109

Prerequisites

  • Research Methods (ECON51215)

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with the opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation at an advanced level of an issue which is applicable and relevant to finance and/or economics and/or accounting. The positioning of the dissertation at the end of the programme is intended to promote integration of material covered in the core and optional modules.

Content

  • The topic is chosen by the student and formally approved by the Board of Examiners, and should be one that is suitable for in-depth investigation.
  • A series of plenary, day-long sessions is held at the start of the dissertation period, covering general aspects of the dissertation process. Students must then attend at least three out of a variety of optional sessions that focus on specific areas of enquiry.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Have a critical understanding of a relevant topic and the most appropriate techniques of analysis.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Have developed advanced skills of research, analysis and scholarly expression in a chosen topic.
Key Skills:
  • Written Communication;
  • Planning and Organising;
  • Problem Solving and Analysis;
  • Using Initiative;
  • Numeracy;
  • Computer Literacy;
  • Self-discipline, time management and the ability to work autonomously.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures will be used to cover general aspects of the dissertation process and issues relating to undertaking research in specific areas of enquiry. Students will then work independently on their research, analysis and writing up, under the guidance of a supervisor. Normally the student will meet their supervisor on no more than three occasions. This is considered appropriate, as the dissertation module is underpinned by the core module ‘Research Methods’ and by the initial lectures.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 6 2 hours 12
Individual Supervision 3 1 hour 3
Research, Preparation, Analysis and Writing 435
Total 450

Summative Assessment

Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Dissertation 9,000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

The supervisor will provide feedback on one chapter.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University