The dissertation provides an opportunity to gain valuable independent research experience. A supervisor will be allocated based on the student's topic of interest and a suitable area of research will be agreed upon, ensuring that the intended learning outcomes of the course are addressed. In the process, the foundations will be laid for potential further research at PhD level.

11 weeks, June-August.
Sessions with subject supervisor and/or course convenor as required.

Assessment

20% of the mark will be based on a research proposal.

80% of the mark will be based on the submitted dissertation.

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

1. To engage students in independent research and study.
2. To allow students to explore a topic of interest within the scope of the degree to some depth.
3. To develop and sustain an argument within this topic of interest.

On completion of the dissertation, students will be able to:
1.demonstrate an ability to undertake a substantial, focused piece of research using appropriate methodology;
2.examine relevant literature and present a critical review of that literature;
3.formulate a suitable research question derived from their literature analysis;
4.analyse relevant evidence by using appropriate methods;
5.evaluate their findings and draw conclusions;
6.produce a substantial piece of written work that clearly demonstrates motivation and structure and conforms to the requirements specified in the course documentation (e.g. quality, length, references, layout).

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.