Postgraduate Module Descriptor


SOCM904: Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Module Aims

The object of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to display your abilities in the collection, handling and ordering of material, and to be an exercise in the communication of ideas, appropriate to research topics chosen, with help and guidance from members of the academic staff, by themselves. The aims are to afford you the opportunity to obtain a solid knowledge of the issues that pertain to your dissertation topics. It will also develop your ability to explore and present your arguments in relation to empirical data provided by library research and/or fieldwork, where the latter is undertaken.

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. In depth knowledge of a specialised subject area in cultural sociology.
2. design an individual research programme, incorporating appropriate social science research methods
3. collate and analyse subject-specific information from a range of appropriate sources
Discipline-Specific Skills4. assimilate and critically analyse data from an appropriate range of sources in sociology or anthropology
5. develop cogent argument drawing on themes and concepts from sociology or anthropology
6. communicate complex information and ideas relating to sociology or anthropology effectively in writing.
Personal and Key Skills7. undertake and manage an individual research project
8. use IT for information retrieval and presentation
9. manage and organize the different phases of the research project from conception to final presentation
10. prepare a substantive written presentation of the material and arguments.