Master's degrees in Urban Studies require students to complete a dissertation of between 13,750 words as the culmination of their degree. Dissertation preparation is supported by a course in 'Research Methods' with a supervisor allocated to each student at the start of Semester 2.

Most of the work for the dissertation will be carried out by the student in their own time. A supervisor will be appointed as the main point of contact for each student during the dissertation period. 

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Assessment

Assessment is based solely on a dissertation of 13,750 words (maximum).

To help students develop effective research skills (evident, for example, in data sourcing, collection, investigation, quantitative and/or qualitative analysis, weighing evidence and reaching sound conclusions) through understanding appropriate research methods and undertaking a substantial research exercise on an approved topic, including some original content.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain the nature and purpose of research in real estate and planning.

■ Recognise the significance of different traditions of thought in philosophy, science and social science.

■ Define research problems and issues and refine them into research aims, objectives, questions and/or hypotheses.

■ Search for and review critically research literature and other secondary data sources.

■ Select and apply appropriate methodological approaches for particular research topics.

■ Plan and manage a research or action project by collecting information from a variety of sources, synthesising it effectively and presenting it succinctly

■ Sustain a clear and succinct argument in presenting research findings in a substantive written form.

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