Module Overview

The dissertation provides an opportunity to design and execute a project in a specific area in depth, and involves the identification of an issue or problem, which can be work-based or research-based, which merits investigation using standard procedures. Students will be expected to be familiar with the theory, research and practice in their chosen area of study and to demonstrate their ability to review and apply the concepts and techniques therein critically. They will also be expected to demonstrate proficiency in the selection and application of the appropriate primary and/or secondary research methods as appropriate. Investigation would normally begin with a literature search and subsequent review, and may be presented as a case study; a comparative study relative to sector norms; or as a questionnaire or interview-based study. No particular constraints will be placed upon the choice of subject matter for the dissertation as long as it falls within the scope of the student's area of specialisation. The research may take one of several forms, for example:

• A project for a host/client organization;
• A work-based issue within the student’s own place of employment;
• Technological experimentation and research, such as software design;
• An empirical investigation of a theory or practice, strongly supported by reference to the relevant research in the area;
• The use of relevant theories and concepts that will enable the solution of a practical

The module is designed to be delivered within a blended learning model, employing mixed modes (online and face to face) of learning, teaching and assessment.

TU059 will be delivered primarily in a face-to-face mode while TU060 will be delivered in a blended mode.

Prior to starting this module students will have gained the approval of the dissertation co-ordinator for a project proposal relevant to their area of study. Each student will be allocated a personal supervisor.
The student may undertake their research project in a work-place setting in which case their final dissertation may place more emphasis on practices and procedures both within the organisation and in the broader industry, and less so on the research literature, but a meaningful literature coverage will still be required to frame the project in an appropriate setting specific to the Master’s degree. The most appropriate distribution methods will be used to distribute materials to students, between students and from students, e.g. a VLE, blogs, Twitter, a forum. The supervisor will guide the student in their chosen project and discuss the various elements of the project management and dissertation creation. The supervisor should encourage the student to think and reason for themselves and assist with the critical skills needed at this level. The expertise developed within the School of Computing for managing dissertations will be available to students doing this module. As the dissertation is an individual piece of work, significant emphasis will be placed on student’s ability to refine and produce their final report, however regular meetings with their supervisor will be held to address problems that they might encounter. The supervisor will be responsible for guiding but not directing the student. During the project, the project supervisor will be responsible for:

• monitoring the progress of the work,
• advising the student on any problem associated with the work,
• maintenance of appropriate academic standards in the work,
• encouraging the student to complete the work within the established time.

 

The student will be required to submit material to the supervisor for feedback on a regular basis. The project supervisor will meet with the student as often as appropriate. The project supervisor will provide the Dissertation Co-ordinator with details of the student’s performance on a regular basis, identifying problems encountered and indicating levels of achievement of the student.

Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown	%
Other Assessment(s)	100