The dissertation is a bound report of 15,000 words on an original topic associated with public relations, which is approved either by the
research director or Programme Chair. The dissertation challenges the candidate to apply concepts, theories and analytical techniques
gained throughout the programme to the elucidation and resolution of particular problems or issues. The module is designed to enable
students to undertake a learning journey, which will be largely self-directed and self-motivated. It allows the candidate the opportunity to
integrate the various dimensions and domains of knowledge that have been acquired. It also offers the candidate the chance to
concentrate on a specialisation which may subsequently become a focus of career aspiration.
By the end of semester two, the student should be readily able to articulate and discuss subject matter of the dissertation which
includes:
a statement of the problem or issue;
a review of relevant literature;
an appropriate research methodology;
data collection;
data analysis;
conclusions to the study.
Stage 1
The design of a study begins with the selection of a topic and a research paradigm, which encompasses both theory and methods. This is assisted by the Research Methods class of semester one. With the assistance of a supervisor, appointed at the start of semester two, the candidate will conduct a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, and then make decisions about research methodology to be used.
Stage 2
Supervisors are assigned from among staff who are timetabled for supervision and who, as far as practical, have specialties within the learner’s dissertation area or research methodology. Students will be advised of the importance of preparation, research organisation, writing of drafts and independent work. The supervisor acts as an academic soundboard for the candidate’s ideas, ensures the overall project is advancing and provides feedback and appropriate direction. In the early stages, the supervisor provides comment on draft material to ensure that:the candidate is using the correct academic style and approach;there is required rigour, breadth and depth;there is relevance and appropriate referencing;the overall structure of the work is appropriate.
Stage 3
Before students begin research, supervisors will discuss in reasonable detail the research instrument and other aspects of methodology and the framework of analysis and techniques to be used in analysis. Students are given detailed guidelines and regulations on research dissertations. After the start of the research, the supervisor will adopt a more generalised supervisory role with less detailed comment on draft material. Supervision ceases in late June. The finished dissertation (one hardback bound copy and three softback bound copies) is submitted on the first working day of September.
An experienced supervisor guides the student on the largely self-directed research journey. This includes one-to-one supervisory tutorials, formative feedback on draft chapters and advice on research methodology and ethical issues in research.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |