Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module BUSI59945: Dissertation

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI59945: Dissertation

Type Open Level 4 Credits 45 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap
Tied to N1K607
Tied to N1K307
Tied to N1K807
Tied to N1K507
Tied to N1KL07

Prerequisites

  • None.

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 their degree subject (Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management or Human Resource Management). 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. It should be one that is suitable for in-depth investigation, and relevant to their degree subject (Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management or Human Resource Management).

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module, student should:
  • Have gained an in-depth and critical understanding of a relevant topic through the utilisation of appropriate techniques of research and analysis.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module, student should:
  • Have developed, to an advanced level, 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

  • Individual meetings will be held with the appointed supervisor. This is considered appropriate, as the dissertation module is underpinned by the core module 'Research Methods'. One-to-one meetings enable monitoring of progress towards achieving the learning outcomes.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lecture 1 1 hour 1
Individual Supervision 3 1 hour 3
Research, preparation & writing 446
Total 450

Summative Assessment

Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Dissertation 12,000 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