Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)
Module EDUC56660: DISSERTATION (MA)
Department: Education
EDUC56660: DISSERTATION (MA)
| Type | Tied | Level | 4 | Credits | 60 | Availability | Available in 2011/12 | Module Cap |
|---|
| Tied to | X5K307 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | X5K207 |
| Tied to | X9K907 |
| Tied to | X9KD07 |
Prerequisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- To enable students to research a topic or issue of professional interest or relevance through the use of appropriate research strategies and to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the topic or issue.
Content
- The focus of the dissertation will be decided in consultation between the student, the module convenor and the supervisor. The title of the dissertation must be agreed at the commencement of the registration for the module.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- A range of research paradigms and their charateristic methodologies; some underlying philosophical assumptions that are made in educational research;
- What must be considered when the validity of educational research is evaluated;
- How educational research can be used to investigate contemporary issues in Education.
Subject-specific Skills:
- By the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate the ability to evaluate educational research, more specifically will be able to:
- under the direction of the supervisor, study an educational topic or issue in depth, appropriate to the degree programme;
- identify and solve problems in specific educational contexts;
- evaluate educational research (either their own or others) use appropriate research strategies;
- demonstrate the ability to work independently.
Key Skills:
- Communication effectively in writing;
- Work with a high level of autonomy;
- Access and use literature.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- With guidance via tutorial supervision and support material in the Study Guide and through individual research.
- On submission of the dissertation title, students are assigned a dissertation supervisor who explores and helps define the focus of the research further. The final title is formally agreed and approved by the supervisor.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorials | As required | 9 | ■ | ||
| Support in Study Guide and with workshops | 1 | 3 hours | 3 | ||
| Preparation & Reading | 588 | ||||
| Total | 600 | ||||
Summative Assessment
| Component: Dissertation | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Dissertation | 15,000 words | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
All students are given regular formative feedback from the supervisor on the progress of the dissertation through tutorial discussions and the presentation of draft material.
■ 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