MODULE CODE SBE3002 MODULE LEVEL 3 MODULE TITLE ...

MODULE CODE SBE3002 MODULE LEVEL 3
MODULE TITLE Dissertation
LECTURER(S) Co-ordinator: Dr Emma Jeanes/ Member of staff identified as supervisor
CREDIT VALUE 30 ECTS VALUE 15
PRE-REQUISITES None
CO-REQUISITES None
DURATION OF MODULE October-May
TOTAL STUDENT STUDY TIME 300 hours to include a minimum of 5 contact hours with
supervisor
AIMS
The aim of writing a dissertation is to give students the opportunity to research a topic related to their
programme of study, which is not covered in depth by any taught module being offered that year. It is
also designed to give students the opportunity to plan and manage their own research and to produce an
extended written dissertation.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES ILO’s
A student successfully completing a dissertation will be able to demonstrate the following skills:
Module-Specific Skills
1. Enhance knowledge of a particular area of study
2. Understand a particular gap within a body of theory, and propose a way of conducting research
into that un-known area.
Discipline-Specific Skills
3. the ability to plan and execute a research project
4. the ability to build and exploit a beneficial relationship with supervisor
5. the ability to use library, database and other research materials
6. the ability to research extensively and critically on a chosen academic topic and to demonstrate
an understanding of the underlying concepts and/or deductive processes from that research
Personal Key Skills
7. the ability to work independently
8. the ability to plan and manage own time
9. the ability to present information in a clear and comprehensible written form.
LEARNING/TEACHING METHODS
The student will only be accepted by the School for a dissertation if s/he finds a member of staff willing to
act as supervisor. The area of research must be approved by the supervisor, and the student is expected
to undertake the preliminary work – literature search and draft outline – before the start of the academic
year and to obtain the supervisor’s approval of this before proceeding to the full dissertation stage.
The supervisor will be expected to advise and comment on student work in a timely and constructive
manner. The supervisor will also take responsibility for advising students on how to write and manage the
dissertation process, with the support of online material. The number of meetings and nature of contact
with the supervisor will vary, and the management of the relationship will also form part of the learning
outcomes (ILO 4). However, students would typically meet with a supervisor a minimum of 5 times.
Learning is through self-study, but the student and supervisor should agree a schedule of meetings, and
the frequency and form of communication between them.
Dissertation [Assessing ILOs 1-9]
ASSIGNMENTS
The only assignment is the dissertation itself. It will normally be between 8,000 - 10,000 words, excluding
tables and charts – an abstract is not required. Other details, including advice on the format, are available
on WebCT.
Formative feedback will be given on the dissertation proposal and early drafts of work (all ILO’s are being
examined at each stage). Feedback will be verbal and written (such as comments on draft work).
ASSESSMENT
100% by dissertation, as above. To be handed in at the School’s Undergraduate Office by noon on 1 May

(if 1 May is a Saturday or a Sunday, then the following Monday; if 1 May is a Bank Holiday, then by noon
the following day).
SYLLABUS PLAN
As agreed with the supervisor.
INDICATIVE BASIC READING LIST
This will depend on the topic chosen.
Supporting information can be found on the SoBE webct homepage.
General ‘how to write a dissertation’ texts may also be of help:
Dunleavy, P. (2004) Authoring a PhD: How to plan, draft, write and finish a doctoral thesis or dissertation.
Palgrave Macmillan.
Swetnam, D. (2000) Writing Your Dissertation How to Book Ltd (3 rd ed)
DATE OF LAST REVISION: October 2007