Overview

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

• Frame hypotheses and evaluate them against counter-arguments and counter-evidence.

• Identify and apply appropriate methodologies for investigation of the chosen subject.

• Identify, interpret and apply relevant concepts and techniques currently being applied in the chosen field.

• Reflect on ethical implications of research and apply ethical principles in decision-making.

• Structure a complex argument in essay or equivalent form incorporating a range of primary and secondary evidence.

• The ability to document evidence using an appropriate system of referencing.

• The ability to read primary texts critically, with a view to their content, form, and context, and to employ evidence thus acquired in support and development of an argument.