Postgraduate Module Descriptor


ARAM027: MA Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

This module allows you to pursue an individual research project within your chosen field, building on the methodological and field-specific foundations covered in your 1st semester intensive methodology and core courses and continuing in your 2nd semester MA coursework. MA students will be expected to develop and demonstrate in their dissertation a mastery of relevant secondary sources in their field; to relate the appropriate standard methodological approaches and theoretical issues to their specific area of research; to demonstrate the originality and relevance of their research to wider issues related to their specific field; and to demonstrate their familiarity with the accepted requirements and standards for presentation of research in their chosen field. In addition, the dissertation will allow them to develop the broader learning outcomes specified below.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here - you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate familiarity with the specific academic fields relevant to the chosen dissertation topic, with regard to your field's particular methods; relevant bibliographies and secondary literature (in the student's available languages); and the current state of issues and problems in the relevant fields
Discipline-Specific Skills2. Present your research results in an appropriate form, respecting the appropriate norms and procedures of your respective field(s)
3. Analyse, synthesize and present thoughtful and persuasive arguments relating to your particular research project
Personal and Key Skills4. Identify, analyse and creatively approach issues relevant to your chosen fields
5. Structure and present effective, extended arguments and interpretations in ways consistent with the norms and procedures of your respective field(s) (including all the field-specific forms of methodology, reference, citation, etc.).
6. Relate your independent research to the wider methodological issues and approaches of the relevant fields.