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2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

DESN5450M Dissertation - Digital Social and Mobile Design

60 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Dr Kishore Budha
Email: K.N.Budha@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Apr to 30 Sep View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module allows students to build upon and to develop further the knowledge and skills acquired from the taught modules. It provides students with an opportunity to investigate in depth through independent research a topic of particular/ specific personal interest. The dissertation thus, provides an opportunity to design an independent research project on a topic of the students’ choice and to carry this project through to completion.

Objectives

- To allow students to undertake a substantial, independent research project under one-to-one staff supervision.
- To provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate intellectual mastery and acquire specialist knowledge in a specific issue or topic in the area of digital, social and mobile design.
- To understand and identify the main research methods in digital, social and mobile design studies.
- To develop a coherent research design including formulation of hypothesis, choosing adequate research instruments and collecting and interpreting empirical evidence.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate ability/knowledge of:
- Establishing research objectives, analytical methods, and research questions
- Identifying and critically evaluating literature and other sources of data and evidence.
- Managing their dissertation project.
- Applying independent and critical intellectual judgement i.
- Organising complex material towards defence of thesis.
- Writing clearly, cogently, and persuasively using appropriate academic conventions.

Skills outcomes
Research Ethics, Time Management, Scholarly conventions of writing


Syllabus

The work will be mainly self-directed. However, to aid students in the process the following process will be followed.
During Semester 2, students will be required to produce a research proposal (after Easter) consisting of their research topic, significance of research, indicative literature and methodological considerations.
Students will be given two lectures and five seminars on academic research and writing. This will cover topics such the significance and definitions of dissertation, research methods, academic conventions and time management. Students will make oral presentations of their research proposals during these seminars.
Student dissertation proposals will be used to identify the most appropriate supervision within the School and this will be organised for the student. Once they have been allocated the supervisors, students will attend dissertation tutorials and their proposals will serve as the basis for supervisors to guide and monitor them.
Students will be expected to present the state of their research in a seminar.
Dissertations will be not less than 12,000 and no more than 15,000 words (including references).

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Presentation11.001.00
Lecture21.002.00
Seminar51.005.00
Tutorial101.0010.00
Private study hours582.00
Total Contact hours18.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)600.00

Private study

The independent learning activities to be undertaken by the student will be dictated by the chosen subject and set out in the Learning Contract (a learning contract will be drafted and signed by both tutor and student ensuring that the parameters of independent study and support are known and agreed upon in advance).
(Semester 2)
• Library search and selection of topic: 40 hours
(Semester 2 and IO6)
• Identification and critical review of background literature and other sources: 135 hours
• Preparation of research plan: 8 hours
• Experimentation, Data collection, analysis and findings: 240 hours
Drafting and finalisation of dissertation: 160 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

• The schedule in the learning contract will be used to assess progress.
• Seminar attendance and discussions
• Interim presentation
• Students will be expected to generate dissertation plans, aims and objectives and will receive feedback from the group and tutors in seminar discussions. Regular tutor/tutee meetings will monitor student progress.
• The dissertation presentation in the week 11 of Semester 2 will provide a valuable point for addressing any problems found.
• Students will be asked to maintain and amend their dissertation plan throughout the dissertation, which will serve as a point of discussion in the meetings.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
EssayDissertation 12000-15000 words87.00
Presentationverbal presentation10.00
Personal Statementlearning contract3.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 08/06/2017

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