Postgraduate Module Descriptor

ERPM004: Dissertation

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

Module Aims

The aim of the Dissertation module is to provide you with an opportunity to: engage in practical research work; design a project that is meaningful in relation to your own research interests; and further hone your research skills with the aid of a skilled supervisor.

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 a deep understanding of your chosen area of investigation based on a wide reading of relevant literature in the area;
2. develop a research plan based on that reading;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. critically reflect on your own research in order to evaluate it;
4. design and/or carry out an independent investigation - analyse and disseminate results;
Personal and Key Skills5. work independently and collaboratively;
6. problem solve - to think logically, laterally, strategically, analyzing and evaluating;
7. select, organise, critically analyse and synthesise material;
8. communicate and present ideas when writing and speaking and to listen effectively and persuade rationally;
9. demonstrate skills in self-management - in particular the management of time, tasks and evaluation of own learning;
10. handle date effectively; and
11. use ICT effectively - the use of electronic data bases in the library, email, word processing, the internet.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

The dissertation will involve:

  • work which draws on the 4 taught modules (specifically the main research paradigms, methodologies and methods used in educational research and various forms of communicating research);
  • making a choice about a possible area for research;
  • drawing up an individual study plan with the supervisor;
  • student-centred sessions to plan and discuss work in progress;
  • negotiation with the supervisor to refine research topic and to make it relevant and feasible;
  • student written accounts, normally to include: research topic or question, dissertation plan, relevant literature review, research methodology, implemented research activity, description and analysis of results, reflective discussion and conclusion of study;

-       submission of these written accounts in stages with formative assessment by the supervisor; and

-       guidance for the writing of a dissertation

Learning and Teaching

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
375630

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

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities77 hours of meetings with your supervisor to plan and discuss work. You will devise a dissertation topic. You will then be assigned an appropriate specialist member of staff as your supervisor. Your supervisor will set targets and provide you with feedback on a draft of your dissertation
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities3010 hours of advanced research skills support in each of the three terms. These sessions will run alongside the dissertation and the taught modules to help you develop the necessary skills for research.
Guided Independent Study100Produce literature review and research methodology
Guided Independent Study163Research and develop proposal/ carry out project and initial analysis
Guided Independent Study300Write final dissertation

Online Resources

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

Web based and electronic resources:

 

ELE:

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3161

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3162

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2500