Module Catalogue 2024/25

SOC8096 : Dissertation

SOC8096 : Dissertation

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Bethan Harries
  • Owning School: Geography, Politics & Sociology
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 3 Credit Value: 60
ECTS Credits: 30.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To allow students to undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice, subject to the approval of the supervisor. To enable the development of relevant generic and subject-specific research methods and skills.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module involves individual meetings between student and supervisor (minimum of 8) plus independent research by the student according to topic, ending in production of a research dissertation of up to 15 000 words.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Increased knowledge in area of research to MA standard. On completion of this module the student will have an understanding and appreciation of the entire range of the research process: from identifying an area of interest, developing a research question, identifying appropriate methodology, implementing the study, managing and interpreting empirical or literature data, and writing up the research work in an extended piece of writing. The process will enable students to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Ability to plan research project, analyse concepts, select appropriate research methods, communicate findings in written form, manage research time.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops14:004:00PiP
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDissertation/project related supervision101:0010:007 x 1 hour supervision synchronous online, and 3 x 1 hour supervision PiP
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1586:00586:00N/A
Total600:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The student is enabled through regular contact with the dissertation supervisor to acquire and practice all the designated skills, and to increase their knowledge of the subject area to at least MA level.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Dissertation3M10015000 word research dissertation
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The dissertation allows the student to demonstrate his or her research skills both in the collection of the material (literature review and data) and in the production of an extended piece of academic writing. The dissertation provides an extensive test of the students’ understanding of the theoretical aspects of the course, and their ability to devise, plan and implement a research proposal thus demonstrating relevant information gathering skills, to place acquired empirical and other data into a theoretical framework, to construct and represent complex arguments, and to critically analyse their own and others' research. It also tests the students’ practical writing and presentational skills.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.