Introductory description

A dissertation is an extended essay written according to formal academic conventions. It should demonstrate your research skills, and your ability to formulate an independent perspective on a given subject. It should also be well written and grammatically correct, to demonstrate your literacy skills. Importantly, a dissertation should try to provide answers to a set of questions; it should not just be a narrative. You will work closely with a supervisor as you research and write the dissertation.

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.

There is no formal week by week syllabus for the dissertation. The taught programme is designed to support students in their choice of dissertation and to provide a training in the research skills specific to their chosen fields of study (skills which may range from palaeography to linguistic theory). Seminars dedicated to research and writing skills are provided as part of the PG Study Skills module during the Autumn and Spring terms. The Core module on methodologies will develop students’ critical awareness and historiographical literacy. Students are asked to submit a brief outline of their dissertation ideas by the end of the Spring term at latest, and receive tutorial support from their allocated supervisors from that point. They will meet for one-to-one tutorials on a regular basis to discuss their progress, and gain feedback on draft material submitted as part of an agreed research and writing plan. All students present a work in progress research paper in the summer term, before handing in the completed dissertation at the end of September.

Learning outcomes

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

• To demonstrate a profound engagement with their chosen material or area of specialisation, and its treatment in the existing literature.
• Written communication skills
• Organisational skills
• Employ appropriate ICT within data collection and the presentation of results
• Demonstrate ability to present complex and structured arguments
• Show awareness of appropriate methodologies for chosen material
• Ability to conduct independent primary research
• Think conceptually and independently at an advanced level
• Sophisticated visual analysis
• Critical analysis of cultural artefacts in their context

Research element

Research under guidance from a supervisor to encourage the development of research skills, the critical application of methodology, and independent thinking.

Subject specific skills

Sophisticated visual analysis
Critical analysis of cultural artefacts in their context

Transferable skills

To demonstrate a profound engagement with their chosen material or area of specialisation, and its treatment in the existing literature.
Written communication skills
Organisational skills
Employ appropriate ICT within data collection and the presentation of results
Demonstrate ability to present complex and structured arguments
Show awareness of appropriate methodologies for chosen material
Ability to conduct independent primary research
Think conceptually and independently at an advanced level