Module GEOG41260: DISSERTATION BY RESEARCH

Department: Geography

GEOG41260: DISSERTATION BY RESEARCH

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• VOCATIONAL DISSERTATION

Aims

• To enable students to apply the skills, methods and knowledge acquired in the core and option modules to a specialist topic of their own choosing;
• To enable students to acquire an advanced knowledge and understanding of a specialist sub-field relevant to their degree programme; and
• To enable students to undertake a scholarly research project of their own choosing, subject to the constraints of their relevant degree programme.

Content

• The dissertation module enables students to develop and execute an extended piece of research on a specialised topic.
• The module covers principles of good research design, methodology and execution, including issues of ethics, rigour, creativity and validity.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop and advanced knowledge and understanding of:
• A single specialised sub-field relevant to their programme;
• Appropriate theory and methodology;
• How to analyse data pertinent to their sub-field;
• How to formulate researchable problems and an appreciation of alternative approaches to research;
• The importance of reflecting on their role as researchers in the context of different approaches to knowledge production; and
• The ethics and politics of doing geographical research in the context of contemporary debates about research and its uses.

• Students will be able to:
• Develop and execute an appropriate dissertation pertinent to their chosen sub-field;
• Critically reflect on the development, application / testing, and evaluation of appropriate methods of research and analysis;
• Identify and reflect on the epistemological, political and ethical implications of their choice of research methods;
• Reflect critically on their role as a researcher; and
• Verbally report on what they found in the course of their research to a non-specialist audience.

• Ability to deliberate, discuss and decide on research directions, under appropriate supervision;
• Ability to write an advanced level dissertation;
• Ability to write clearly and concisely, explaining why the chosen topic of research is important, critiquing previous research, and providing a coherent discussion of findings;
• Independent management of a research project (under supervision), including project formulation, execution and presentation;
• Ability to analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis; and
• Ability to undertake clear and concise written communication.

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

• The workshops will provide students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to plan, execute and present their dissertation research.
• Individual supervisory meetings will provide students with a forum to enhance their knowledge, understanding and skills in research with an appropriate supervisor. Supervisory meetings will tkae place throughout the dissertation planning, research and writing process, as required. Where necessary, the chosen research topic will be approved by the Module Convenor.
• The student will produce and receive formative feedback on a dissertation proposal and two draft chapters of the dissertation.
• Assessment is by means of a written dissertation and a compulsory oral presentation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

The student will produce and receive written feedback on: a) a research proposal (500 words) and b) on one draft chapter of the dissertation. They will also receive oral feedback on work produced for supervision.

■ 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