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Unit information: Dissertation (Education Studies) in 2019/20

Please note: Due to alternative arrangements for teaching and assessment in place from 18 March 2020 to mitigate against the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, information shown for 2019/20 may not always be accurate.

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

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

Ethics proposal (15% of mark)

ILO 1-5

8,000 – 10,000 word dissertation (85% of mark)

Reading and References

To be negotiated with supervisor.

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