Introductory description

The CIM Masters dissertation is a piece of work (10,000 words) which addresses a single student-selected subject. The topic may concern any aspect of the subject matter of their Masters programme.
The dissertation is an exercise in independent study in which students pursue a topic of interest to them. It allows them to further develop a range of independent research skills, including iterature search and bibliography construction, theoretical argument, and generation/appraisal of empirical evidence.

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 module will start with a lecture laying out the requirements and explaining standards and stages of work in the dissertation. To give students more time and support, the module leader will give the first lecture prior to the summer term, during term two. Students will also complete a 'Statement of research interest' document before the Summer term, which will be used to allocate supervisors but also to encourage students to begin thinking about the dissertation in advance of the Summer term.
Students will commence work on dissertations at the start of the third term. They will be advised to maintain regular contact with their supervisor, and to meet with them at least three times over the period of study. The supervisor will advising on specific aspects of the dissertation process (topic selection, research design, methodology, literature review, managing large written projects etc.).

The dissertation will be an original piece of research which analyses a cultural, political or social phenomenon using one or several concepts and methodologies presented during the students' course of study.

Learning outcomes

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

• Identify and critically interpret different conceptual approaches and developments in the field of research;
• Produce independent research that demonstrates knowledge of a number of theoretical, practical and methodological perspectives studied during the degree;
• Articulate dissertation ideas orally (to supervisors) and to produce well-argued written material, supported by wide reading and advanced research;
• Formulate a sophisticated programme of research with an appropriate methodology.

Indicative reading list

Relevant bibliographic material will be drawn from the core and optional CIM modules.

Hart, C. (2004) 'Doing Your Masters Dissertation', London: Sage.

Research element

The module is assessed soley by the production of an independent reserach project.

Interdisciplinary

As part of the research process, the module requires students to adopt a methodology drawn from a range of disciplinary backgrounds and to synthesise interdisciplinary forms of knowledge in the exploration of their topic.

Subject specific skills

• to develop a sophisticated understanding of one substantive topic of research;
• to connect theoretical, conceptual, technical and practical knowledge in relation to a topic and to be able to locate specific examples in relation to these knowledges;
• to develop practical skills in the application of one or more research methods.
• demonstrate an ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate historical and current research in relation to a specific topic;
• demonstrate the capacity to compare and contrast concepts from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and to identify a related methodological innovation;
• develop the ability to synthesise and adopt interdisciplinary forms of knowledge and relate them to a contemporary research topic;
• be able to formulate a sophisticated programme of research with an appropriate methodology.

Transferable skills

• written and oral communication skills: to articulate dissertation ideas orally (to supervisors) and to produce well-argued written material, supported by wide reading and advanced research;
• the ability to respond to and incorporate feedback and to revise the project as required during the various stages of feedback;