Unit information: Dissertation (Education Studies) in 2021/22

Unit name	Dissertation (Education Studies)
Unit code	EDUC30023
Credit points	40
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. Baker
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Successful completion of Y2 core Education Studies units
Co-requisites	none
School/department	School of Education
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

The dissertation is an independent study that gives students the opportunity to select a relevant theme in Education Studies and carry out research in depth over a sustained period of time. The unit aims are to:

• provide students with the opportunity to investigate a topic of their own choice that is relevant to Education Studies, deepening their understanding through independent learning and study;
• support students in developing and applying to their independent study knowledge of a range of theoretical perspectives and concepts gained elsewhere in the programme;
• support students in formulating and independently researching an educational question using a range of appropriate methods and methodologies;
• facilitate critical reflection on a selection of relevant literature, taking into account its range and depth;
• strengthen the practical and transferable skills students have gained in managing their own learning, undertaking independent and self-directed research, and conveying ideas succinctly and cogently in writing.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. an awareness of the ethical issues and implementation of ethical practices in research;
2. plan and carry out a sustained independent study. For psychology in education, this must be an empirical study that implements an appropriate design within the context of a particular psychological question, using appropriate techniques to analyse data.
3. demonstrate a critical and in-depth understanding of their chosen topic through effective academic communication in an original dissertation;
4. select, synthesise and critically appraise an appropriate range of relevant literature;
5. reflect on their choice of research methods and analytic techniques in the conduct of their study.

Teaching Information

Individual study supported by 5 hours negotiated academic supervision. Dissertation workshops addressing methodologies, analysis and writing a dissertation. Participation in a dissertation conference within the School of Education.

Assessment Information

Formative

ILO 1,2,4

Dissertation proposal (1,000 - 1,500 words)

Summative

ILO 1-5

8,000 - 10,000 word dissertation (100% of mark)

Resources

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. EDUC30023).

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.