Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module BUSI44N60: Dissertation

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI44N60: Dissertation

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 60 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None.

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 a researchable problem in management and business studies. The positioning of the dissertation at the end of the programme is intended to promote integration of generic and subject-specific material covered in the core and optional modules.

Content

  • The dissertation topic is chosen by the student and formally approved by the Board of Examiners. It should be one this is suitable for in-depth investigation at an advanced level.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module, students should have:
  • aquired an in-depth understanding of a relevant topic in business and management studies, through critical evaluation of the advanced literature and utilisation of appropriate advanced techniques of research and analysis.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module, students should:
  • be able to apply appropriately one or more specialised methods/tools for research in management and business studies;
  • have aquired skills in independent research in a specific area of management and business studies, sufficient to provide a basis for undertaking extended independent research at doctoral level.
Key Skills:
  • ability to conduct, manage and disseminate research in such a way that is consistent with both professional practice and principles of research ethics and risk assessment;
  • ability to evaluate and synthesise information obtained from a variety of sources, and to communicate relevant information effectively to others;
  • effective time management skills.

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 to enable monitoring of progress towards achieving the learning outcomes. The dissertation is also underpinned by a series of core modules on research training methods and methodologies.
  • The supervisor will provide formative feedback on a draft chapter.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Individual supervision 6 0.5 hour 3
Reading, preparation, research, analysis and writing up 597
Total 600

Summative Assessment

Component: Dissertation Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Dissertation 15,000 words maximum 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

Feedback will be provided on one dissertation 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