Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module ACCT3082: Dissertation

Department: Accounting

ACCT3082: Dissertation

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to N408
Tied to N409
Tied to NN43
Tied to N302
Tied to N304
Tied to NN42
Tied to N204
Tied to N206

Prerequisites

  • ACCT3071 Research Methods in Accounting

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • ACCT3052 Dissertation in Accounting & Finance

Aims

  • The dissertation should be a substantial piece of work that provides a detailed and critical examination of a particular topic. Empirical research is encouraged where appropriate to the topic but is not compulsory. The dissertation can also be based upon an area of interest encountered during work experience through an internship, placement or similar.
  • It aims to provide students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial research project on an approved topic of interest, and to present their findings and conclusions in an extended and coherent piece of work.
  • It aims to develop students' abilities to plan and manage their own learning.
  • It aims to facilitate students' development of research skills and provide the opportunity to apply their knowledge to an appropriate topic associated with their degree pathway.

Content

  • The content of the dissertation will be decided in consultation with an appropriate member of staff, should be of relevance to their degree pathway, and is subject to approval.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To have acquired extended knowledge of a relevant topic of interest.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module students are expected:
  • To have acquired skills of independent research and project management;
  • To be able to demonstrate an ability to present and analyse data in a clear and appropriate manner;
  • To be able to demonstrate an ability to present arguments and conclusions in an extended and coherent form.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication
  • Planning, organising and working to deadlines
  • Problem solving and analysis
  • Initiative
  • Computer literacy
  • Intellectual challenge

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

  • Learning is facilitated by drop-in workshop hours, supervisor consultations and support for private study.
  • Students will have individual consultation sessions with a named supervisor throughout the term.
  • Formative assessment is by means of dissertation milestones.
  • Summative assessment is through the production of a dissertation of 10000 words.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshop sessions 10 Weekly 1 hour 10
Supervisor consultations 6 20mins 2
Preparation, Reading and Independent Study 388
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Dissertation 10000 words 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Dissertation milestones include: submission and approval of the project outline including methodology; draft chapter for discussion with supervisor; completion of a dissertation log e.g. using pebblepad.


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