Module Information

Module Identifier
ED39220
Module Title
Major Dissertation
Academic Year
2016/2017
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Dissertation  1 x 10000 word project  100%
Supplementary Assessment Dissertation  All failed elements of the assessment must be retaken if the student's average mark falls below the required pass mark of 40%. 1 x 10000 word project   100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Undertake independent study;

Plan and present an extended investigation: aims; literature review; methods; analysis;

Demonstrate skills which are associated with library-based study: effective use of bibliographic searches; an ability to choose relevant sources; a sound knowledge and understanding of sources; critical interpretation of sources; an ability to synthesise sources; an ability to present coherent argument;

Demonstrate research skills in a small-scale investigation: an appropriate method of data collection; an appropriate method of data analysis; an awareness of ethical and legal issues in data collection; to apply the results of the analysis to the aims of the dissertation.

Brief description

This module provides students with an opportunity to investigate a topic of their own choice, in consultation with members of staff. It involves independent study under the guidance of a member of staff. It necessitates wide reading, leading to an extended essay. It requires library-based study and typically involves small-scale empirical investigation. Prior approval for joint honours students from the Director of Undergraduate Studies is needed before pre-registering and registering on this module.

Content

Semester 1:
3x1-hour lectures designed to equip students with the relevant study/research skills for the Dissertation. These lectures will address: library resources, research skills, structure and ethics.
2x2-hour workshops in groups of 20-25 students. Students will discuss their chosen subject and be required to submit a definitive topic at the end of the second session.
1x1-hour group sessions of 10 students each with supervisor.
Semester 2:
2x30 minute individual sessions to enable student to discuss dissertation in detail.
1x1-hour group sessions of 10 students each with supervisor.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Analysis of data.
Communication Written communication throughout written assessments and oral communication with research participants.
Improving own Learning and Performance Feedback from the written assignment and personal reflection during tutorial meetings. Also, through independent planning, managing time and researching.
Information Technology Written assignments should be word-processed. Use of data-analysis software often used.
Personal Development and Career planning Research into a sector of childhood studies/education field. Research involves time management, self-responsibility and self-reflection. Undertaking a dissertation helps to prepare students for postgraduate study.
Problem solving This is an essential element in the process of critical assessment. Furthermore, students will encounter various problems when undertaking a small-scale project that will need to be overcome.
Research skills Research is required for the main assessment as students are required to plan, undertake and write up a small-scale investigation.
Subject Specific Skills Evaluation of theoretical concepts in the field of education.
Team work Collating data often requires team work. Workshop sessions will involve team activities.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6