Overview

You will produce of an extended piece of critical writing of a length and quality appropriate to the culmination of the Masters degree scheme. You will draw on your knowledge of the subject area and critical methodologies learned earlier in the degree to complete the research project. You will be assisted via workshops and individual supervisions in devising, refining, developing and presenting a substantial piece of critical work on a topic of your choosing.

The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to work with a specialist supervisor in the production of an extended piece of writing or practice. The work will, of necessity, go through a number of stages, and the supervisor will support the student in the effective revision of their work. The student will receive individual guidance. As well as developing high levels skills in rsearch and presentation, students will also develop important skills of self management.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C/50%: To achieve this level a student will have completed all the Learning Outcomes to a level of competence. Written and/or practical work will be of a basic professional standard displaying qualities of motivation, and the ability to pursue ideas through to a conclusion, accompanied by evidence of critical reflection. It should be clear also that the student has developed the range of intellectual, practical and transferable skills implicit in the aims of the course.

-good -B/60%: To achieve this grade a student will have exercised competence in most, if not all Learning Outcomes, and will have demonstrated excellence in at least one. Written and/or practical work should be distinctive, approaching publishable or, in the case of practical work, equivalent quality and supported by related further study. There should be ample evidence of independent thought, good levels of motivation and the acquisition of a wide range of subject-specific and transferable skills. There should be a clear indication of the potential to pursue studies to a higher research level.

-excellent -A/70%: Excellent: To achieve this grade a student will have demonstrated a high level of achievement throughout and excellence in a substantial proportion of the Learning Outcomes. The written and/or practical work will be distinctive and professional. There will be ample evidence of related research, a thorough exploration of ideas, working processes and the inventive use of appropriate genres and forms. It should be readily apparent that the student has the ability to pursue higher levels of study and the potential to operate successfully in a professional context.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply critical, research, and analytical and/or practical and technical skills developed over semesters one and two to the creation of an extended piece of critical or creative work.

• Evaluate and apply appropriate methodologies to plan an investigation of the chosen subject.

• Evaluate the ethical implications of research and apply ethical principles in decision-making.

• Manage material and time efficiently in producing a substantial piece of independently researched work.

• To argue a case convincingly, showing depth of knowledge and critical understanding of the chosen topic.