AC70051E: Dissertation | University of West London

What is meant by a Dissertation?

A dissertation involves the student working independently but under supervision to research a  defined topic. This is done by the student undertaking a combination of library and other  secondary data and information search. The data is then analysed and used to draw conclusions.  The whole research is written up in the form of a Dissertation. As an academic degree  Dissertation, it is expected that the research is supported by the relevant academic literature.

Learning Outcome

1 Identify and establish valid research  questions and/or hypotheses with sound  theoretical foundation and reasoning.

2 Critically review a range of relevant  theories, ideas, concepts and best practice  by reference to existing literature and other  available sources, and to produce a  properly referenced literature review.

3 Design appropriate research methods that  take account of the ethical issues and the  limitations of the availability of data.

4  Present and critically evaluate the findings  based on analysis of data, evidence and  theories.

5  Draw conclusions, make recommendations  and suggest future work.

6  Present the above in a logically structured  and well-written dissertation format.

Supervision of the research project (Dissertation)

 Each student will be allocated to a supervisor by the Module leader. The Dissertation is primarily a student-centred process with guidance and support from the supervisor. Students should meet with their supervisor regularly. The meetings with supervisors are intended to: 
(i) ensure that the aims of the project and the assessment criteria are being addressed;

(ii) avoid students going in a wrong direction or doing something of no added value;

(iii) provide help and support if students are at an impasse; 

(iv) challenge students to refine their ideas and work through questioning and discussion.

Introduction (about 2,500 words)
A clear introduction to your dissertation -- consisting of appropriate background information, rationale  for the research/investigation needed, research aims, objectives and research questions/hypothesis,  methods employed, findings and the structure of the remaining chapters/sections.

Literature Review (about 3,500 words) 
A review of the relevant literature on the topic, the development of your own ideas based on the critique  of the literature, and how this leads into the research hypotheses and empirical work that you plan to  undertake. The literature review should try and encompass arguments that both compliment and  contradict the research aim set in the introduction.

Data and Methodology (about 3,000 words) 
A clear explanation of the methods used, including sampling, data sources, empirical models and  variables involved and clearly defined. Your methods should be capable of being replicated by other  researchers based on what you described. There is no need to submit the raw data. However, you  need to present the summary statistics of the data. You also need to keep the full set of data and the  examiners may request to see it and to test run the data analysis themselves to verify your work. 

Results, Analysis and Discussion (about 4,000 words) 
Presentation and analysis of the results which address your own research questions. Significant  features of the results must be clearly indicated and discussed. 

Conclusion & Suggested future research (about 1,500 words) 
Evaluation and summary of your research, assessment of your contributions and discussion of the  broader implications of the findings, and limitations which may lead to future research. 

References 
List all the references which appear in the text in alphabetical order by the authors’ surnames. You  need to use Harvard referencing system.  
Appendices (if any) 

Appendices are for further information only, and it will not be marked.