Masters Dissertation Handbook SPO070-6 AND SPO077-6

Introduction

This handbook has been produced to provide you with information about  the framework for MSc dissertations. It should be used in conjunction with your unit  information, assessment briefs, and the advice of your supervisor.

Dissertations are expected to further students’ knowledge of a relevant body of literature, allow  students to seek new research findings, which add to the existing body of knowledge on a  particular subject area, and to develop powers of critical reasoning. The dissertation process  allows students to develop knowledge of and competence in, an appropriate range of research  methods, including the development of a study hypothesis, an appreciation of the research  methodology and analytical techniques to be utilised, the undertaking of a specific research  study, the synthesis and evaluation of findings, the application of statistical techniques where  appropriate, and a clear statement of conclusions and recommendations. In addition, students  acquire substantial writing, presentation and bibliographic skills. Overall, the process helps  develop students’ experience of developing and managing a specific programme of work  through to final submission.

Dissertation unit requirements – Clinical Exercise Physiology Students:  SPO077-6, 30 credit unit  

For the Clinical Exercise Physiology students - your award of an MSc requires you to complete  and pass 180 credits across the units that make up your course. The dissertation element of your course is 30 credits. For these 30 credits, you will need to complete a dissertation  research project and a poster presentation. The percentage weighing of these assessments  is: