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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Dissertation/Practice-led Project (Medieval Studies) |
| Unit code |
AFACM0010 |
| Credit points |
60 |
| Level of study |
M/7
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Cathy Hume |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
Completion of relevant mandatory units in TB1 and TB2 and progress at the June Progress Board
|
| Co-requisites |
none
|
| School/department |
School of Humanities |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Arts |
Description including Unit Aims
All MA students are expected to undertake a capstone project as the culmination of the programme of study. The dissertation/practice-led project provides a structured and supervised opportunity for MA students to pursue independently an agreed topic of interest with reference to and emerging from their previous studies and to produce an appropriately advanced piece of research. The dissertation/practice-led project involves devising a realisable topic, which has the potential to contribute to knowledge of the subject. Students on the MA Medieval Studies may EITHER:
- Undertake a research-led dissertation of 15,000 words: After a conducting a survey of literature and other relevant materials, in particular medieval primary sources, appropriate methodologies will be devised in order to explore a research problem. It would normally be expected that this topic would arise from work already undertaken on the programme, creating an opportunity to explore a specialist area in more detail.
OR:
- Undertake a practice-led project of 15,000 words or equivalent related to a work placement (typically that taken as one of the taught component options): After carrying out a piece of practice-led research for a heritage or cultural organisation, the student delivers the result of that research and practice in the style of (or accompanied by) a reflective critical commentary or report, setting out planning, methodology, analysis, results and implementation as appropriate.
Aims:
- To facilitate in-depth independent research
- To establish a potential path for further advanced research (either in the workplace or further study)
- To explore and develop appropriate methodological approaches
- To gain in-depth knowledge of a specialist area
- To present the findings in a written dissertation/practice-led project report.
Intended Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit, students will be able to
- distinguish between a range of different research methods
- synthesise existing work on a particular subject
- use secondary and primary materials in order to provide a focus for independent inquiry
- design a project that is realistic in scope
- demonstrate substantial knowledge of a specific subject area
- present the findings and outcomes of research in a sustained written format appropriate to the mode of their capstone project (e.g. dissertation or practice-led project)
- communicate their knowledge and research to academic and professional audiences as appropriate to the mode of their capstone project (e.g. dissertation or practice-led project)
Teaching Information
2 x 2hr seminars on conducting research projects at postgraduate level
Tutorials – regular supervision sessions.
Assessment Information
By written dissertation or practice-led project and report [15,000 words or equivalent] (100%)
Linked to ILOs 1-7
Reading and References
Reading as appropriate to individual dissertation, under the guidance of supervisor.
