Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Dissertation Project
SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 60.00
ECTS credit value: 30
Module code: SSC11130
Module leader: Mandy Winterton
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: Social Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

The dissertation project is a piece of advanced, independent scholarship & research work that you will carry out individually. It is the module that builds on, and elevates the knowledge, skills, and capacities developed across other modules, into a sustained, systematic and comprehensive piece of work that demonstrates the achievement of the learning outcomes for the MSC Social Research programme. In the project, you will be expected to critically engage with academic, public, and other literatures and sources, relating to the relevant theories, concepts, and models covered during the programme. The project also enables you to illustrate and utilise a range of transferable skills that you will have developed during workshops and peer activities across the programme. These skills and interpersonal capacities form a bedrock of professional attitudes in any workplace. You will be matched with a Dissertation Mentor best placed to guide you through the project. We have a wealth of expertise in the social sciences but where appropriate, may offer supervision from colleagues, for example, in Criminology, Psychology, Health and Social Care, or Business. The dissertation project that you will carry out will be structured according to your interests and post-graduation plans. For example: • You may opt to design and execute a new research project and seek to disseminate the findings to the relevant audiences. • If you have (or will undertake) work experience that is relevant to the programme of study, you may opt in to do practice-based project.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Evidence the appropriate depth of knowledge in a chosen field/topic, through a critical and comprehensive review of key texts and ongoing debates in the field.

LO2: Exemplify the complex theoretical and practical aspects, as well as ethical and socio-political issues affecting the preparation, delivery, and dissemination of your project.

LO3: Demonstrate an advanced understanding of research and evaluation methods appropriate to the scope of your project.

LO4: Carry out a sustained, extended, independent research/scholarship/work-practice project.

LO5: Show effective project and time management skills, professional aptitudes, and conduct.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, IN PERSON,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: IN PERSON
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Roberto Kulpa
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Project Supervision 20 Regular meetings will be held as agreed between you and your Dissertation project supervisor. You are expected to prepare, engage and reflect on any materials/tasks/activities that has been agreed on.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 6 Throughout the trimester 3, ML will organise meetings to and you are expected to participate and structure in time to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken so far, and to complete your assigned tasks. You are encouraged to read more widely around the topics you are studying. The majority of the discussions will be student-led.
Online Guided independent study 574 Throughout the year, you are expected to structure in time to reflect upon the learning you have undertaken and to complete your essential reading. You are encouraged to read more widely around the topics you are studying and engage in Moodle activities and resources. You will need to ensure that you have sufficient time to prepare and plan for your assessment tasks.
Total Study Hours600
Expected Total Study Hours for Module600


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 20 2~3 Week 9 , WORDS= 2000 You will submit work for the assessment that is part of your overall dissertation project, and its integral part. This may be e.g. impact plan or other relevant work output agreed. You will submit the assessment in Trimester 3.
Portfolio 80 1~2~3~4~5 Week 14 , WORDS= 8000 You will submit work for the assessment that is part of your overall dissertation project, and its integral part. The type of submission work will be individually agreed by module leader, supervisor, and student. You will submit the assessment in Trimester 3.
Component 1 subtotal: 20
Component 2 subtotal: 80
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Contact your module leader
 

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