The dissertation provides a student with the opportunity to independently pursue in greater depth a chosen subject or topic in the field. It provides the means for developing and expressing students' research and analytical abilities. The dissertation follows many of the rules of an essay (for example, presenting a coherent argument that is supported by evidence and referencing the material that is used) but it is a much extended piece of work in which the arguments and evidence will be presented in a more sophisticated manner. In a dissertation there will be a clear account and justification for the methodology that has been used to collect and analyse data and the methodology will link to a rigorous conceptual framework that shows an awareness of current theoretical debates.

The assessment of the module takes the form of one written submission. Since ethical research conduct is a foundational element of any research project, the university requires that an (unmarked) ethics approval submission is also successfully completed before undertaking fieldwork, and therefore to pass the module

• Apply complex knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme
• Independently critically evaluate current scholarship and policy debates
• Evaluate and critique methodologies and justify an appropriate research design
• Evaluate and understand the ethics of the research and obtain the appropriate ethical approval to undertake the research
• Demonstrate originality in the collection and analysis of data and its interpretation
• Develop coherent, sustained and critically informed arguments leading to logical conclusions and appropriate recommendations
• Reach accepted standards of written and illustrative presentation

The module is designed for blended learning and will be delivered through one-to-one activities between the student and their supervisor. Activities can take the following forms:

• One-to-one online meetings (eg using Skype / Zoom etc) or on-campus meetings where it is safe and practicable
• Replying to emails
• Reviewing and providing written and / or verbal feedback on draft material

Supervisors will provide guidance for students in the following areas:

1. Defining and specifying the precise nature of the research problem to be investigated. To discuss the potential conceptual and/or policy implications of the chosen research topic.

2. Clarifying conceptual/theoretical issues.

3. Additional references for the literature review.

4. The ethical implications of the research method(s) and provide appropriate guidance and help to obtain ethical approval, if necessary

5. Discuss and respond to ideas on the research design and execution of the empirical research; to
comment on the student's planned research strategy; and to give guidance on sources of research
material.

6. Any unforeseen difficulties arising during the course of the research.

7. Commenting upon selected draft chapters of the dissertation.

Data collection

Where appropriate students will conduct their own data collection or analyse existing data set(s). The nature of the data to be collected and analysed will depend upon the students conceptual and methodological approach and whether appropriate ethical approval has been obtained (see below).

The majority of timetabled activities will be delivered on-campus where it is safe and practicable.

Academic skills

Independent critical thinking
Evaluation of different forms of data collection and analysis
Ethical issues surrounding the collection and analysis of data
Application for ethical approval for undertaking research, if appropriate
Presentation of written material

Employability skills

Independently manage their own time and devise a work programme that recognises the time constraints of others
Demonstrate sensitivity and maturity when collecting data
Good communication skills to work with those who provide data
Management of data

Formative assessment and feedback are provided by the supervisor throughout the dissertation process

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students are permitted to be reassessed (usually once) in a module which they have failed, in line with course regulations. The date of the reassessment is dependent on the initial submission date.

Data Collection and Ethical Approval

Formal ethical approval is not needed for students analysing existing, open data sets (e.g., anonymised secondary data). This does not include social media data (e.g., Twitter or Facebook posts), where ethical approval from the School Research Ethics Committee must be obtained. Ethical approval from the School Research Ethics Committee must be obtained for all forms of primary data collection. This will involve discussing the ethics of your research with your supervisor, who will help you complete the necessary paperwork. The paperwork will need to be submitted for final approval by the School Research Ethics Committee. The ethical approval process, including completing and submitting paperwork, is described in the Ethical Approval Process document and will be discussed in your relevant Research Methods modules.

YOU CANNOT COLLECT ANY PRIMARY DATA / SOCIAL MEDIA DATA UNTIL YOU HAVE OBTAINED ETHICAL APPROVAL FROM THE SCHOOL RESEARCH ETHICS COMMITTEE.

The ethical approval process will take time and you are strongly recommended to adhere to the timetable outlined in the Ethical Approval Process document to ensure that you are not delayed in collecting your data. Any delays may affect the quality of your data and hence the standard of your dissertation and the mark you receive

The module does not have a formal teaching component but background to the module is taught via research method modules and by dissertation workshops where students develop their own dissertation topics, research design and methodological approach. Issues that are likely to be discussed by supervisor and student are: research aims and/or questions, conceptual approach, methodology, ethics and ethical approval, and writing strategy.