Modules

Module title: Dissertation
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 60.00
ECTS credit value: 30
Module code: JAC11106
Module leader: Avril Gray
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Media and Screen
Prerequisites

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2017/8, Trimester 3, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 002
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Avril Gray
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Learning and teaching methods
Students will be orientated towards high-level independent study through a blend of approaches. The lecture programme includes the examination of critical analysis, problem-solving and argument relevant to this level of study. Individual supervisors work closely with students on a regular, one-to-one basis to set goals, monitor progress and provide general and specific advice on research strategy, framing research questions and scholarly writing. Seminars enable students to discuss with each other, and to share information and strategies under the guidance of the module leader. WebCT is used to provide detailed guidance notes and examples of all parts of the dissertation process. The module site will also be used as a forum for student discussion.

Embedding of employability skills/PDP/Scholarship
Students will be able to develop theoretical and practical understanding learned in previous years and in the previous trimester. PDP will be enhanced through critical reflection and investigation of a topic related to their target degree. The module develops self-directed and independent study to a high degree. The nature of a sustained and in-depth study can also prove a valuable resource for future employment or advanced study.

Assessment
It is important that a module such as this - with only a single component of summative assessment - has identifable points for formative assessment. These take place throughout the two trimesters. They begin with the dissertation proposal, which forms the basis of negotiation with each student for the entire dissertation. Submission of a literature review in the first month of trimester 2 and the proposed research methodology shortly after offer more detailed opportunities to develop student autonomy through one-to one discussion of their work.

Research and teaching linkages
Research and teaching linkages are promoted through the module leader's continuing research, where he employs

Formative Assessment:
The University is currently undertaking work to improve the quality of information provided on methods of assessment and feedback. Please refer to the section on Learning and Teaching Approaches above for further information about this module’s learning, teaching and assessment practices, including formative and summative approaches.

Summative Assessment:
The University is currently undertaking work to improve the quality of information provided on methods of assessment and feedback. Please refer to the section on Learning and Teaching Approaches above for further information about this module’s learning, teaching and assessment practices, including formative and summative approaches.

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 12
Face To Face Other 18
Online Guided independent study 30
Independent Learning Guided independent study 540
Total Study Hours600
Expected Total Study Hours for Module600


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Other 100 1,2,3,4,5,6 14/15 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 15000
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100
2018/9, Trimester 2, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Avril Gray
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
Learning and teaching methods
Students will be orientated towards high-level independent study through a blend of approaches. The lecture programme includes the examination of critical analysis, problem-solving and argument relevant to this level of study. Individual supervisors work closely with students on a regular, one-to-one basis to set goals, monitor progress and provide general and specific advice on research strategy, framing research questions and scholarly writing. Seminars enable students to discuss with each other, and to share information and strategies under the guidance of the module leader. WebCT is used to provide detailed guidance notes and examples of all parts of the dissertation process. The module site will also be used as a forum for student discussion.

Embedding of employability skills/PDP/Scholarship
Students will be able to develop theoretical and practical understanding learned in previous years and in the previous trimester. PDP will be enhanced through critical reflection and investigation of a topic related to their target degree. The module develops self-directed and independent study to a high degree. The nature of a sustained and in-depth study can also prove a valuable resource for future employment or advanced study.

Assessment
It is important that a module such as this - with only a single component of summative assessment - has identifable points for formative assessment. These take place throughout the two trimesters. They begin with the dissertation proposal, which forms the basis of negotiation with each student for the entire dissertation. Submission of a literature review in the first month of trimester 2 and the proposed research methodology shortly after offer more detailed opportunities to develop student autonomy through one-to one discussion of their work.

Research and teaching linkages
Research and teaching linkages are promoted through the module leader's continuing research, where he employs

Formative Assessment:
The University is currently undertaking work to improve the quality of information provided on methods of assessment and feedback. Please refer to the section on Learning and Teaching Approaches above for further information about this module’s learning, teaching and assessment practices, including formative and summative approaches.

Summative Assessment:
The University is currently undertaking work to improve the quality of information provided on methods of assessment and feedback. Please refer to the section on Learning and Teaching Approaches above for further information about this module’s learning, teaching and assessment practices, including formative and summative approaches.

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Lecture 12
Face To Face Other 18
Online Guided independent study 30
Independent Learning Guided independent study 540
Total Study Hours600
Expected Total Study Hours for Module600


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Other 100 1,2,3,4,5,6 14/15 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 15000
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Description of module content:

The module comprises a taught programme in trimester 2, which covers advanced literature reviewing, framing and generating research questions, methodological issues (including reflexivity), qualitative research methods, critical analysis, scholarly writing and presentation. Students undertake independent study under supervision to produce a 15 000-word dissertation on a topic appropriate to the student's programme of study (Trimester 2).
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
LO1: Appraise issues or problems of relevance to their programme of study.
LO2: Develop and justify research questions appropriate to the issues or problems identified
LO3: Critically explore academic literature relevant to the issues or problems
LO4: Plan and justify an appropriate research methodology
LO5: Gather, analyse, synthesise and interpret data with which to explore research questions
LO6: Devise an appropriate form with which to present arguments, findings and conclusions.
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:

Please contact your Module Leader for details
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