Course unit details:
Dissertation
Unit code | PCHN60311 |
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Credit rating | 60 |
Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
Teaching period(s) | Full year |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
By the end of the course unit students will:
- Produce a thorough critique of the relevant literature
- Formulate a sensible, coherent research question, which can be realistically addressed in the dissertation timescale
- Formulate and use a methodology, or methodologies, appropriate for the research question
- Examine and evaluate the research data using appropriate statistical analysis tools
- Appraise the study and produce a thesis adhering to the MSc guidelines
Aims
To allow students to conduct an independent piece of research on a specific topic
To produce a written report of the research in the form of a thesis
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course unit students will:
- Produce a thorough critique of the relevant literature
- Formulate a sensible, coherent research question, which can be realistically addressed in the dissertation timescale
- Formulate and use a methodology, or methodologies, appropriate for the research question
- Examine and evaluate the research data using appropriate statistical analysis tools
- Appraise the study and produce a thesis adhering to the MSc guidelines
Teaching and learning methods
Students will have at least six meetings with the dissertation supervisor over the year, to discuss the aims and objectives of the study, to enable the student to arrive at a final design, and to facilitate the conducting and writing up of the research. Such meetings may be in person, by phone or via Skype or similar electric platform. Supervisors will give general advice and help with analysis when necessary, and will provide feedback on one draft version of the final dissertation.
When checking the length of your work you should remember that the following do not count towards the total:
- Names in brackets (e.g. Savel, 1991) which relate to references in the reference list;
- The reference list itself;
- Words which form the title or other legend on a graph or chart
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Written communication whilst on placement, to monitor assess and promote effective audiological management
- Oral communication, giving both formal and informal presentations
- Interpersonal skills, advocating for optimum practice whilst on placement
- Initiative, seeking help as necessary on campus and on placement
- Self-regulatory skills in taking opportunities to gain extra experience whilst balancing other demands of the course
Assessment methods
A 10,000 – 12,000 word dissertation based on the piece of independent, empirical research, submitted by the agreed deadline. You may submit before the deadline but you must notify your supervisor and Programme Administrator of your intended submission date. The dissertation will be marked according to the criteria.
Feedback methods
Written feedback
Recommended reading
All references and reading materials as well as links to other resources are on line and available through Reading lists online
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 20 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 580 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Helen Chilton | Unit coordinator |