Introductory description

The dissertation is a written document presenting students' independent research on a topic fitting to the requirements of their course. In order to succeed in the dissertation, students must apply, synthesise, and evaluate the knowledge of their degree and apply their research skills. The dissertation is student-led with guidance and feedback provided by a project supervisor.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The dissertation will enable students to apply their knowledge and skills to compose a literature review, methodology, analysis, and discussion. In order to accomplish this, students will be guided by their supervisor on how to conduct ethically rigorous research and compose the written dissertation.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Formulate a research question and derived objectives, consistent with the time and resource available to conduct the research
• Select and apply appropriate research methods, with justification, to suit the requirements of the specific research question.
• Critically evaluate the body of research, synthesising ideas into a referenced literature review.
• Devise and perform an ethically responsible investigation, informed by the findings of previous researchers and efficiently utilising available resource.
• Present findings in the dissertation with clarity, appropriately evaluating the confidence that should be placed in any findings and demonstrating the benefit of the work undertaken

Indicative reading list

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

The dissertation is the output of an independent research project.

Interdisciplinary

Students have the autonomy to design a research project related to their degree subject. Therefore, students have the possibility to conduct interdisciplinary research that blends two disciplines or subjects.

International

Students have the autonomy to design a research project related to their degree subject. Therefore, students have the possibility to conduct research that is international in nature, such as comparing two unique country contexts or evaluating data that represents a sample from outside the UK.

Subject specific skills

The dissertation is a summative piece of work evidencing student's subject knowledge in their application, synthesis, and evaluation of key concepts, theories, policies, methods, and/or practice related to their degree. Students have the opportunity to design their research to explore an aspect of their subject in greater depth.

Transferable skills

The dissertation is an opportunity for students to develop and practice the Warwick Core Skills in composing the dissertation, conducting the research, managing their relationship with a supervisor, and managing the research project. These transferable skills include communication, ethical values, digital literacy, information literacy, problem solving, professionalism, and self-awareness. In addition, students will progress their talents for key transferable study skills, including academic writing and academic integrity.