Module SSI3019 for 2020/1
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
SSI3019: Quantitative Dissertation
This module descriptor refers to the 2020/1 academic year.
Module Aims
The aim of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to use the quantitative and research methods skills acquired as part of your year 1 and year 2 core modules to answer your chosen research question. This module allow you to demonstrate and further develop skills associated with data collection (secondary or primary), data management, and the communication of quantitative information to address a research topic in our area of interest. You will have help and guidance from members of the academic staff both in terms of developing an appropriate research question and important methodological considerations of your project. The dissertation also provides you with the opportunity to obtain in-depth knowledge of a specific area of academic research in your respective discipline.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. develop your own research project on an area of social science that interests you; 2. consolidate key research methods and quantitative analysis skills developed in core BSc modules 3. enhance your research methods and quantitative analysis skills in the context of a topic that interests you; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 4. display comprehensive knowledge of relevant criminological, political, and/or sociological literature; 5. demonstrate an understanding of key theoretical debates related to a particular topic of interest; 6. collect, analyse, and present original research with reference to appropriate criminological, political, and/or sociological approaches and theories; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. demonstrate the ability to apply quantitative skills to answer a relevant research question; 8. manage and organize the different phases of the research project from conception to final presentation; 9. prepare a substantive written presentation of the materials, methods, and conclusions. |
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial plan and literature list | 1,500 words | 1,4,5,6,8 | Written feedback |
| Presentation of work-in-progress Term 1 | 5 minutes | 1-8 | Verbal feedback |
| Presentation of work-in-progress Term 2 | 5 minutes | 1-8 | Verbal feedback |
| Selection from first draft of dissertation | 2,000 words | 1-9 | Written feedback |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final dissertation (integrating the dissertation plan, first draft, and bibliography) | 100 | 9,000 words | 1-9 | Written |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final dissertation | Dissertation (9,000 words) | 1-9 | August/September reassessment period |
Re-assessment notes
Where you have been referred/deferred for your written assignment, you will have the opportunity to submit new assignment in the August/September reassessment period.
