The dissertation is an extended piece of written work that presents a detailed and in-depth examination of a specified topic of c.10,000 - 12,000 words. It forms an integral part of the degree program and is largely undertaken in the fourth year. The process of topic selection and approval requires the student to submit a dissertation proposal form for formal approval by the academic staff.
The dissertation may utilise data/information collected in any area appropriate to the discipline of the Spatial Planning or Environmental Management student.
The aim of this module is to provide the student with an opportunity to work in a self-directed and self-motivated approach and to use the knowledge acquired in the taught modules in an applied manner. This allows the student, with the support of an assigned supervisor, to specialise on a topic which may be of particular interest. This module also aims to encourage students to develop analytical, judgmental, presentation and communication skills and a commitment for independent research.
To monitor progression in the module five credits of the 25 credits available are allocated to the work done by the student in the preparation of a proposal, preliminary literature review and for 2 presentations, Work in Progress 1 and Work in Progress2.
The dissertation proposal is submitted late Semester 1, when it is reviewed by two internal readers, with written feedback returned to the student, before the Semester concludes. At this point, once proposal has been submitted, supervisors are assigned to individual students and a preliminary meeting takes place.
Work in Progress (WIP) 1 takes place at the start of semester 2. In a presentation to the class and supervisors the student outlines their dissertation topic, research question and the proposed methodology.
Work in Progress (WIP) 2 takes place mid-semester 2. In a presentation to the class and supervisors the student outlines their progress in the gathering and analysis of data and their progress to addressing their chosen research topic.
The syllabus includes the following elements:
Students are tutored on the selection of a research topic and the development of a research proposal in lectures and tutorials in semester 1. The indicative syllabus here is:
- Choosing a Dissertation Topic
- Prepare and present a statement of the problem and/or hypothesis
- Introduction to Research Quality and Methods
- How to undertake a Lit Review
- Data Collection Techniques - Quantitative methods
- Data Collection Techniques - Qualitative Methods
- Evaluation and analysis of research data
- Software use (MS Office, GIS, Statistics, Reference Management)
- Formulation of conclusions, recommendations and limitations of research study
In semester 2 students begin working with their selected supervisor, prepare a draft of their literature review, commence primary research, analysis and write up, and complete both WIPs (details below).
Work in Progress 1: Early semester 1, in a presentation to peers the student outlines their dissertation topic, research question and the proposed methodology
Work in Progress 2: Mid-semester 2 the student outlines their progress in the gathering and analysis of data and their progress to addressing their chosen research topic
Lectures, workshops, tutorials, student presentations and write up sessions
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |