Undergraduate Module Descriptor

SOC3040: Dissertation

This module descriptor refers to the 2018/9 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 good knowledge of the issues that pertain to your dissertation topics. It will also develop your ability to explore and present sociological arguments in relation to empirical data provided by library research and/or fieldwork, where the latter is undertaken. If you are enrolled on a Q-Step programme you will be required to undertake a quantitative dissertation.

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. display an ability to apply sociological methods and concepts of analysis to independently researched material;
2. display in depth understanding of the field/issues which form the subject matter of the dissertation;
Discipline-Specific Skills3. display comprehensive knowledge of relevant sociological literature;
4. demonstrate a general understanding of key debates in sociological theory;
5. collect, analyse and present original research material with reference to appropriate sociological approaches and theories;
Personal and Key Skills6. select, digest and organise material collected in independent research;
7. manage and organize the different phases of the research project from conception to final presentation;
8. prepare a substantive written presentation of the material and arguments.