Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module EDUC3211: DISSERTATION

Department: Education

EDUC3211: DISSERTATION

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2013/14 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to X1C1
Tied to X1F8
Tied to X1G1
Tied to X1Q3
Tied to X1V1
Tied to X1C8
Tied to XV36
Tied to XL33
Tied to XV35
Tied to X1W3

Prerequisites

  • Educational Research Methods (EDUC2301).

Corequisites

  • Philosophy of Knowledge, Curriculum and Assessment (EDUC3281).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Dissertation in joint subject.

Aims

  • To allow students to undertake an in-depth study of a chosen topic within Educational Studies.
  • A level 3 module that draws upon the Research Methods module in Year 2 and, variously, modules studied Years 1 and 2 and in parallel in Year 3.

Content

  • .

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should be able to demonstrate: an ability to understand theoretical knowledge and research evidence in a chosen topics within Education Studies.
  • the ability to construct and sustain reasoned argument about an educational issue in clear, lucid and coherent manner.
  • the capacity for sustained independent study.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • think critically and independently.
  • analyse, synthesise, evaluate and identify problems and solutions.
  • constructt and sustain a reasoned argument
  • interpret and present relevant numerical information
  • improve their own learning and performance, including the development of study and research skills, information retrieval and a capacity to plan and manage learning and to reflect on their own learning
  • use ICT and a variety of library resources.
Key Skills:

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

    • The independent study is supported by individual supervision.
    • This allows appropriate guidance to be given.
    • the assessment is by submission of an 8,000 word dissertation.
    • This assesses knowledge and understanding of the theoretical perspectives, formulation of questions and research ability, capacity for critical and independent thought, ability to construct a sustained argument and other key skills.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Lectures 2 Termly for two terms 1 hour 2
    Tutorials 6 When required 4
    Preparation and Reading 194
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

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

    Formative Assessment:

    Through written feedback at four stages of development: Written proposal; Work completed by end of November in Term 1, Work completed by mid February in Term 2, Work completed by - two/three weeks before submission date.


    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