Module XAE-3023:
Dissertation
Module Facts
Run by School of Educational Sciences
40.000 Credits or 20.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 1 & 2
Organiser: Dr Margiad Williams
Overall aims and purpose
The dissertation module is an independent study on a topic of the student’s choice, agreed with the study tutor during Year 2 based on an area of academic interest related to children and young people. It provides the opportunity for students to design and undertake a small-scale research study and receive regular diagnostic feedback from the tutor. Students will focus on in-depth research of the chosen topic, including a literature review, carrying out research tasks, collecting qualitative or/and quantitative data, using analysis and synthesis skills in an appropriate manner and present a cogent, well-constructed argument.
Course content
Guidance will be provided through the dissertation handbook and individual/group tutorials with your project supervisor.
Assessment Criteria
threshold
A satisfactory understanding of what constitutes an effective research project based on a sociological, psychological, philosophical or historical perspective relating to children and young people; an ability to choose a subject and to carry out adequate research, together with some analysis and discussion of the evidence and its implications.
good
A good understanding of what constitutes an effective research project based on a sociological, psychological, philosophical or historical perspective relating to children and young people; an ability to choose an appropriate subject and to carry out effective research, together with good analysis and criticism of the evidence and its implications.
excellent
A comprehensive understanding of what constitutes an effective research project based on a sociological, psychological, philosophical or historical perspective relating to children and young people; an ability to choose an appropriate subject and to carry out effective and comprehensive research, together with excellent analysis and insightful criticism of the evidence whilst demonstrating originality.
Learning outcomes
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Clearly communicate research findings and key implications of the research visually and verbally
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Research a sociological, psychological, philosophical or historical perspective relating to children and young people;
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- Carry out complex research tasks and analyse and synthesise data in relation to the research focus;
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Critically evaluate a range of literature and research related to a relevant field of study;
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Critically analyse key findings and discuss the implications of the research.
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Dissertation | 85.00 | ||
Presentation of proposed dissertation research | 15.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Notional Learning Hours: (a) Contact Time – e.g. 20 hours (b) Private Study – reading time, preparing and taking assessments: 369 hours Format of Teaching: Lectures: 12 hours Other: 8 hours Teaching Strategy: The module is a self study module with support as follows: 1. Group and individual tutorials with supervisors: 8 hours (across two semesters) 2. Dissertation drop-in sessions (scheduled across two semesters) |
389 | |
Practical classes and workshops | Bangor Oral Presentation Scheme |
11 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
- Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
- Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
- Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
- Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
- Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in
Subject specific skills
- apply multiple perspectives to early childhood issues recognising that early childhood studies involves a range of research methods theories evidence and applications
- integrate ideas and findings across the multiple perspectives in early childhood studies and recognise distinctive early childhood studies approaches to relevant issues
- constructively critique theories practice and research in the area of child development
- lead support and work collaboratively with others and demonstrate an understanding of working effectively in teams with parents carers and other professionals 11
- use skills of observation and analysis in relation to aspects of the lives of babies and young children
- reflect upon the ethics of studying babies and young children and their families and communities
- generate and explore hypotheses and research questions relating to early childhood in an ecological context
- carry out empirical studies ethically involving a variety of methods of data collection including observation relating to early childhood in an ecological context
Resources
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/xae-3023.htmlCourses including this module
Compulsory in courses:
- X314: BA Astudiaethau Plentyndod ac Ieuenctid year 3 (BA/API)
- X313: BA Childhood and Youth Studies year 3 (BA/CYS)