Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

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Aims

- To develop and demonstrate the student's skills as a researcher.
- To engage in debate at the forefront of appropriate topic, whilst relating the topic to its wider social, economic, environmental and political context.

The dissertation module spans the second semester and the summer months, once the taught element of the programme is completed. The dissertation is the written report of a major individual research project. This is supported in Semester 1 by TCP8911 Research Design, by individual dissertation tutorial support throughout the year, and by additional group workshops.

The dissertation should be on a subject relevant to planning, related to the pathway the student is on. It must be a fully referenced, well written and structured document, based on empirical desk and or field research of a high standard. The final dissertation should be 15,000 words. Further guidance can be found in the Dissertation Handbook.

Outline Of Syllabus

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Intended Knowledge Outcomes

- Understanding of forefront of debate in chosen topic, placed in an appropriate context
- Understanding of the complexity and rigour of the research process

Intended Skill Outcomes

- Ability to develop an appropriate and successful research strategy
- Development of evaluation skills of data and policy and ability to draw sound conclusions on the basis of this evaluation
- Ability to manage a large and demanding individual project

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Self-directed research, on topic of own choice, allows the student to refine research skills learned in TCP8911. The work is supported by four scheduled teaching sessions and contact with the assigned dissertation mentor.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This allows students to express all required elements of research process, engagement with literature, methodology and rigour and ultimate findings and analysis in relation to one focused study to a postgraduate level. It allows demonstration of the ability to design and undertake research to the rigorously high standards of robustness required within the UK.

Although students begin their dissertation in semester 2 and complete over the summer, they are introduced to the required work and begin training for it in week 1 semester 1.

General Notes

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