| Unit name | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | SOCI30050 |
| Credit points | 40 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Marshall |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
SOCI20064 Investigating the Social or SOAD20004 Social Research Methods |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Your aim is to develop and present independent critical thought on a research question of sociological relevance, which has been chosen by you having consulted your supervisor. The dissertation is an extended piece of written work which gives you the opportunity to identify and investigate a particular question in depth and explore it systematically. You should explore a range of appropriate methodological options, research the literature on a specialist area within sociology, and discover an original angle on your selected topic.
The teaching for this unit combines lectures, workshops, a dedicated dissertation conference, and a highly structured supervisory and support system. We will provide you with the methodological foundation for your research project and guide you through this process during your final undergraduate academic year.
On successful completion of the unit, the student will have produced an extended piece of work which demonstrates a detailed understanding of their chosen topic, capacity to apply or interrogate sociological concepts, an ability to present research professionally and cogently, and provides evidence of their organisational and time-management capabilities.
Unit aims
This unit will enable participants to:
• Identify a suitable sociological topic that can be researched independently;
• Structure independent work over a sustained period;
• Conduct a piece of supervised independent study;
• Produce a dissertation based on independent sociological research; and
• Present research findings to an academic audience.
On successful completion of the unit the student will have:
Dissertation lectures, dissertation workshops (on ethics, data collection, data analysis, and presentation skills), drop-in sessions with unit convenor, and individual study supported by regular, negotiated, supervisory meetings.
Formative:
10-15 minute presentation at Dissertation Conference (learning outcomes 1 & 5) Summative:
Dissertation proposal (2000 words) (10% of final mark) (learning outcomes 1 & 2)
Dissertation (approx 10000 words) (90% of final mark) (learning outcomes 1, 3 &4)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SOCI30050).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
