2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

DESN3660 Independent Study Dissertation

40 creditsClass Size: 300

Module manager: Dr Kevin Laycock
Email: k.laycock@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

Pre-requisites

DESN2287

Research Methods

This module is mutually exclusive with

DESN3460

Ind Study: Minor Dissertation

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The role of the dissertation is to present written research on a topic of relevance to your programme of study by a given date. The dissertation is concerned with finding, organising and interpreting research information into a coherent and cogent argument. Independent Study (Dissertation) represents 40 credits of the final honours level of your degree.

Objectives

The objectives of this module are to:
- Provide students with the opportunity to investigate a subject area of relevance to their programme of study.
- Allow the student to demonstrate coherent and detailed subject knowledge informed by recent research/scholarship in the discipline.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will have provided evidence of being able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to select and investigate a topic of relevance to the core components of their programme of study.
- Collect, edit, assess and review sources of information and research resources.
- Produce a written dissertation, which is an independent piece of research.
- Construct and sustain a coherent, literate and well-organised argument.
- Understand and evaluate relevant debates and show some evidence of independent critical thought.

Skills outcomes
- Planning and organisation
- Problem Solving
- Information literacy
- Research skills
- Analysis, critical interpretation and argument
- Computer literacy

Syllabus

This module builds on the work done in Research Methods One and Two, completed in Level Two. Both research methods modules have prepared the ground for the research and production of the dissertation. This module concentrates on the research and production of a piece of written work on a topic selected by the student. The dissertation should be 10,000 to 12,000 words in length, (excluding footnotes, reference lists, bibliography and appendices). Students will receive individual tutorial support, but the emphasis is on independent study.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Group learning	1	1.00	1.00
Lecture	3	1.00	3.00
Tutorial	6	0.50	3.00
Independent online learning hours			10.00
Private study hours			383.00
Total Contact hours			7.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			400.00

Private study

-- Online (VLE) support for dissertation skills and information (10 hours)
- Refinement of original proposal (30 hours)
- Identification and review of background reading material / primary research (120 hours)
- Drafts of text (and, where appropriate, illustrative material) produced (167 hours)
- Final draft produced and submitted (66 hours)

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress in monitored in tutorials and with feedback at the first two submission points in Semesters One and Two.

A plan of activity and a timetable of regular meetings is negotiated with the supervisor. Progress will be monitored through: one group meeting and six tutorials available to each student over the two semesters.

Supervisors will provide verbal (or where necessary) written feedback on the first and final draft prior to submission.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation	10,000 to 12,000 word dissertation	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 24/05/2021 15:36:45

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD