The dissertation provides the opportunity to carry out a more sustained piece of independent research and to produce a more developed and lengthier piece of academic writing than previously attempted in undergraduate study. It can be on any aspect of Theology and Religious Studies, but the topic must be agreed with the supervisor.

5x1hr individual supervision sessions TBA

None

None

research project description (500 words) - 5%

annotated bibliography (500 words) - 5%

Dissertation (12,000 words) - 90%

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. 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 for this course are described below. 

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ identify an appropriate project in a specific area which may be related to but must be distinct from other work submitted at Honours;

■ evaluate and implement the most suitable method and approach for the chosen topic;

■ conduct a research project under individual supervision;

■ carry out individual, independent research, using library resources and other research tools;

■ construct and present sustained arguments on a larger-scale specialised topic;

■ develop good academic practice regarding use of and references to primary sources and secondary literature.

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

■ identify an area of research and appropriate research methods;

■ articulate and evaluate critically a specific question in a discipline within Theology and Religious Studies;

■ plan and produce a substantial, carefully-researched and well-presented dissertation;

■ apply in written form in-depth knowledge and understanding of a chosen topic;

■ apply individual research skills, including appropriate use of sources;

■ show the ability to use IT skills and web resources as appropriate;

■ practise effective independent working;

■ deploy professionally recognised referencing system and reflect upon the critical relevance of sources.

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