Dissertation - Journal style (80 credits) - ARC00115M
Module summary
The Independent Study Module (ISM) (often referred to as the dissertation) comprises the production of a piece of independent research with academic guidance particularly for students on an MSc programme. The dissertation (Journal Style) will synthesise and critically assess a range of primary and secondary archaeological evidence.
The dissertation is a substantial piece of written work produced to professional standards, written in the style of an academic journal including appropriate graphical and text presentation skills. The preparation for the dissertation is supported by a range of lectures/workshops and resources that will review and discuss the skills required to successfully complete the dissertation.
Related modules
This module will run over Semester 2, and Summer Semester Part A and Summer Semester Part B.
This dissertation format is only available to students studying on MSc programmes.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 to Summer Semester 2025-26 |
Module aims
The purpose of the journal-style dissertation is to allow MSc students to undertake a substantial piece of independent research on a subject of their own choosing. The journal-style dissertation will allow them to apply research and study skills acquired during their core taught modules and to work with the guidance of one or more members of academic staff.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding of their chosen subject
- execute a programme of research, working independently
- synthesise and critically evaluate a range of primary and secondary evidence
- structure a substantial piece of written work
- present a written journal-style dissertation to professional standards, including appropriate graphical and text presentation skills
- manage their time effectively and complete a substantial piece of independent work to deadline
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Formative: oral feedback from module leaders
Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy
Indicative reading
Academic Writing Dissertations: https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/academic-writing/dissertations
Academic Writing Subject Guide: https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/academic-writing