Module GEOG41260: Dissertation by Research

Department: Geography

GEOG41260: Dissertation by Research

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• GEOG41160 Vocational Dissertation

Aims

• To enable students to apply the skills, methods and knowledge acquired in the core and optional modules to a specialist topic related to their degree programme;
• 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 an advanced research project on a topic related to their degree programme.

Content

• The module introduces principals of good research design. Indicative content includes topics such as;
• Developing research questions;
• research ethics, and research health and safety;
• choosing appropriate methods;
• critical writing and reading;
• practical experience managing an independent research project;
• choosing an analytical approach;
• synthesizing complex data;
• communicating research to multiple audiences.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop and advanced knowledge and understanding of:
• Best practice in research design for their specialised topic;
• Research ethics and challenges specific to their topic;
• How to develop and execute an appropriate research project in a topic related to their degree programme;
• Specialised knowledge of their chosen research topic.

• Students will be able to:
• Formulate researchable problems in their programme specialty;
• Choose appropriate theory and methodology for their specialised area of research;
• Analyse complex data to answer their research questions;
• Situate their project in relation to existing research;
• Critically reflect on the research process;
• Explain their choice of research design, analytic approach and argument in oral and written forums.

• Ability to deliberate, discuss and decide on research directions, under appropriate supervision;
• Ability to write an advanced level dissertation;
• Independent management of a research project (under appropriate supervision);
• Ability to analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis; and
• Ability to undertake clear and concise written and verbal communication.

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

• Workshops:
• All taught masters students attend five workshops. These workshops cover principles of good research design, critical writing and reading, writing for different audiences, research ethics, health and safety, and assessment guidance.
• The workshops introduce students to the skills and knowledge needed to plan, execute and present their dissertation research.
• Small Group Supervision:
• Students will be assigned tutorial groups based on their research topics.
• Small group tutorials will provide specialised training in research question development, choice of methods and project management appropriate to students’ chosen research topics.
• Small group supervision exposes students to a range of research projects, design choices, analytical approaches, ethical challenges, and project planning.
• Small group will enable students to develop key skills in formulating researchable problems; discussing, deciding and explaining research project design; and critically reflecting on their research design choices.
• Individual Supervision:
• Students will be assigned a member of staff to supervise their project.
• Individual supervision meetings will provide bespoke support for the student to develop their independent research project. Supervision may include (but is not limited to): recommending topical and methodological literature; piloting research methods; critical reflection on the research process; feedback on writing style and dissertation structure; advice on time management; and suggesting wider university resources to support student development.
• Individual supervision meetings may take place throughout the dissertation planning, research and writing process, as required in Terms 2, 3 and summer months.
• Where necessary, the chosen research topic will be approved by the Module Convenor.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative Assessment The student will produce and receive written feedback on: 1) a research proposal (up to 1000 words), 2) on one draft chapter of the dissertation (up to 2500 words), and a draft of the executive summary. In addition, the student will produce and receive verbal feedback on work produced for group and 1:1 supervision.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.