Introductory description

The dissertation module gives student the opportunity to complete an independent piece of research on a topic of their own choice with the support of their dissertation supervisor, plenary teaching, and other online resources. The aim is for students to creatively use the substantive and methodological training acquired in the earlier part of their course to critically analyze a research topic of sociological relevance.

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 cover key topics such as conducting literature reviews, writing and synthesizing results from an original research project, deciding on a research design for an original project, and analyzing and interpreting research findings.

Learning outcomes

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

• demonstrate advanced skills in formulating a research problem and developing an appropriate research design in order to operationalise the research.
• On completion of the module students will have gained practicalexperience in using sociological research methods to carry out a specific research project.
• On completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate critical skills in linking concepts and theories to the development of a research project.

Indicative reading list

Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in
Education and Social Science (5th edn.), Milton Keynes: Open University Press.
Brett Davies„ M. (2007) Doing a Successful Research Project: using qualitative or quantitative
methods, Basingstoke: Paigrave Macmillan.
Brymen, A. (2012) Social Research Methods (4th ,:-An.) Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Gilbert, N. (ed.) (2008) Researching Social Life (3rd edn.) London: Sage.
May, T. (2003) Social Research: Issues, methods and process (3rd edn.) Buckingham: Open
University Press.
Seale, C (2011) Researching Society and Culture (3rd edn.) London: Sage.
Walliman, N. (2011) Your Research Project Ord edn.) London: Sage.

Research element

For this module, students formulate a research question and answer it by employing appropriate social research techniques.

Subject specific skills

• Advanced skills in formulating a research question and developing an appropriate research design to answer it.
• A comprehensive understanding of research techniques applicable to their substantive topic of choice
• Hands-on experience on conducting research e.g. interviews or analyzing large-scale data
• Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline

Transferable skills

• demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
• exercise of initiative and personal responsibility
• decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations
• the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development