Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

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Co Requisite Comment

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Aims

The dissertation is delivered in two modules, this one in Semester 2 of Stage 2 and then a second module in Semester 1 of Stage 3.

The aims of this first module of students' dissertation studies are to:

• Introduce students to a range of research methodologies, critical appraisal, research, and study skills towards their dissertation or dissertation project (submitted in Stage 3) through lectures.

• Support the development of their individual area of interest, initial research, and project planning through tutorials and seminars.

• Gauge the viability of their topic and research methods through a short, fully referenced, dissertation essay proposal submitted at the end of this module in Semester 2 of Stage 2.


This module will also establish which of the following two dissertation routes is most appropriate for each student:

• An 8000-word Dissertation.

• A 5200-word Dissertation Project Report supported by project materials (e.g. creative practice output, prototyping or documentation of experiments, fieldwork, data collection, or analytical recordings).

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus allows students to develop research skills, critical and evaluative abilities, and a capacity for clear and succinct expression in written and verbal form, by:

• Introducing students to the nature of research and research methods in architecture.
• Equipping students with the ability to devise their own research strategies for their dissertation or dissertation project.
• Providing an overview for developing a research question or focus of enquiry, selecting appropriate research methods, and preparing a dissertation research proposal.
• Giving an opportunity to develop professionally orientated, transferable communication skills.

Students develop a basis for their area of interest and an understanding of appropriate methods, literature and output through seminars organised around thematic dissertation groups. These seminars are undertaken at the beginning of Semester 2 of Stage 2, and lead to a student presentation on a chosen seminar theme.

A series of lectures further develop understanding of appropriate research skills and methods to support the students’ emerging areas of specialization.

Following discussions with their dissertation tutor (normally the same person who led the students’ thematic seminars), students submit a short, fully referenced, dissertation proposal at the end of Semester 2, Stage 2, which outlines their individual research topic, intended research methods and outputs, and declares whether they will be taking the dissertation OR dissertation project route in Stage 3. The production of this proposal to a passing standard is a formal prerequisite for registration on the Stage 3 Dissertation module.

TOPICS
Dissertation or dissertation project approaches, choice of topic, research methods, forms of evidence, literature surveys, proposal development, case studies, database searching, technical briefing, assessment criteria.

STAGE 3 DISSERTATION MODULE
In Stage 3, students will continue to build upon their research proposal and the feedback that they receive. Working mainly independently, but in association with a tutor/supervisor, they will develop a draft into the completed dissertation or dissertation project.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module a student will have developed an understanding of:

• Principles of rigour in research.
• Key research terminology and concepts.
• The range of possible approaches to research in architecture/spatial design.
• A specialist area of research related to architecture/spatial design.
• The potential relationship between research and practice.
• What makes a good research proposal.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The module provides opportunities for students to develop a range of research, critical, and communication skills, including:

• Critical reading.
• Identifying and developing a research topic.
• Structuring an argument to support a case.
• Identifying appropriate research methods to align with a research question.
• Identifying a relevant mode of research output.
• Appreciating, evaluating, discussing, and presenting significant material from disparate sources.
• Using and acknowledging previous research and expert opinion.
• Verbal and visual presentation skills to communicate research intent.
• Presenting a document suitable for a specific domain readership.
• Adopting academic technique and conventions appropriately and effectively.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Students follow a themed dissertation seminar series chosen from a selection on offer, that supports their emerging research interests. These are research-led, weekly seminars from APL staff from the range of disciplines in architecture, humanities, and social sciences, to creative practice and technology.

Students are expected to augment this knowledge by reading and exploring other sources of information. Students record a presentation/film on their emerging research topic of interest, and this is submitted for formative assessment.

In addition, students’ emerging research is supported by research skills’ lectures and supervision, aiding the development of the summative submission – an essay or dissertation research proposal

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

ORAL PRESENTATION
This presentation takes place at the end of the dissertation seminar series, offering an opportunity for students to gain feedback on their emerging ideas for their dissertation topic, as well as feedback on their communication skills.

ESSAY
A 1500 word, independent essay or research proposal will build upon this feedback, synthesising the research and ideas students have been introduced to and drawing upon the research methods introduced. This assignment and written feedback will form the basis for the Stage 3 dissertation or dissertation project.

General Notes

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