Postgraduate Module Descriptor

ARAM082: Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.

Module Aims

This module aims to allow you to build upon the methodological and field-specific foundations covered in your Independent Research module and other core and option modules. You will be expected to develop and demonstrate in your dissertation a mastery of relevant secondary sources; to relate the appropriate standard methodological approaches and theoretical issues to your specific area of research; to demonstrate the originality and relevance of your research to wider issues related to your specific field; and to demonstrate your familiarity with the accepted requirements and standards for presentation of research in your chosen field. In addition, the dissertation will allow you 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 Skills	1. Demonstrate expert in-depth knowledge of a specialised subject area; 2. Collate and analyse subject-specific information from a range of appropriate sources; 3. Communicate complex information and ideas effectively in writing;
Discipline-Specific Skills	4. Present your research results in an appropriate form, respecting the appropriate norms and procedures of your respective field(s); 5. Demonstrate advanced analytical capacities and the ability to synthesize and present thoughtful and persuasive arguments relating to the discipline;
Personal and Key Skills	6. Identify, analyse and creatively approach issues in a systematic, detailed and accurate manner; 7. Structure and present effective, extended arguments and interpretations about complex topics; and 8. Relate your independent research to a wider range of methodological issues and approaches.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:

Independent, guided research and writing of the MArabic dissertation (maximum of 15,000 words) in consultation with an approved thesis supervisor(s).
Completed MArabic dissertation of no more than 15,000 words on your research topic chosen in mutual agreement with your thesis supervisor.
Submission of draft chapters to your supervisor for correction prior to final submission of the dissertation.

Assessment of the MArabic dissertation by the supervisor and a qualified second internal examiner will be based on the dissertation's fulfilment of the above-mentioned aims relevant to your particular field(s) of study (i.e. mastery of relevant sources, methods, theoretical issues, originality of research, and solidity of presentation), as well as appropriate conformity to all University and field-specific requirements for presentation and referencing in the particular field of the dissertation.

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
7	593	0

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	4	4 x 1 hour supervision meetings
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	3	3 x 1 hour meetings to receive academic guidance, including specific feedback on draft work
Guided independent study	143	Preparing for and reflecting on supervision meetings
Guided Independent Study	200	Researching chosen topic from primary and secondary sources
Guided Independent Study	100	Writing and submitting drafts for supervisory feedback
Guided Independent Study	150	Completing final dissertation

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/