Overview

The content will vary from dissertation to dissertation.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grades C- (52%) to C+ (58%): A dissertation that adds original information to an existing body of work. An introduction that outlines the research question and states the aim and objectives of the study (and if appropriate, the hypotheses to be tested). A literature review that covers the fundamental concepts of the chosen topic. A clear description of the methods used to collect and analyse data / information. Clearly presented results. A discussion that shows largely correct understanding of the results and puts them into some context using the literature. Satisfactory presentation: tables and figures correctly numbered and labelled; a complete set of references.

-good -Grades B- (62%) to B+ (68%): A dissertation that deals with a topic on which relatively little work has been done. An introduction that shows some originality in the choice of topic, provides an good context and rationale for the study, clearly identifies the research question. The aim and objectives of the study (and if appropriate, the hypotheses to be tested in it) are clearly stated. A literature review showing good understanding and knowledge of the chosen topic and some evidence of criticality in the review. A clear description of the methods used to collect and analyse data / information. Clearly presented results. A discussion that shows correct understanding, a good synthesis of the data and some original thought regarding interpretation. The discussion makes some suggestions about the possible applications of the findings and further areas of research. A good overall standard of presentation: well written; tables and figures correctly numbered and labelled; a comprehensive set of references.

-excellent -Grades A- (74%) and above: A dissertation that deals with a potentially difficult topic on which relatively little work has been done. An introduction that shows originality in the choice of topic, provides an excellent context and rationale for the study, clearly identifies the research question, states the objectives of the study (and if appropriate, the hypotheses to be tested in it). A literature review showing excellent and critical understanding and knowledge of the chosen topic. A clear description of the methods used to collect and analyse data / information. Clearly presented results. A discussion that shows understanding, an excellent synthesis of the data and much original thought regarding interpretation. The discussion makes imaginative suggestions about the possible applications of the findings and further areas of research. Excellent presentation: well written; tables and figures correctly numbered and labelled; a very comprehensive set of references.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an ability to draw valid conclusions from systematically-collected data, even if these are incomplete.

• Demonstrate clear and comprehensive communication of research findings to a specialist audience.

• Demonstrate self-direction, motivation and originality in pursuing a line of research.

• Synthesize and critically evaluate information from a variety of sources.

• Use of appropriate techniques to collect and analyse geographical data in a safe and ethical manner.