Accessibility statement

Dissertation - ENV00109M

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module summary

This module involves carrying out an individual research project based at the University of York. This module runs alongside the 'Dissertation with Placement' module, in which students work with an external partner as part of the module.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24 to Summer Semester 2023-24

Module aims

The MSc dissertation module provides students with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth individual research project in an area of interest within the field of environmental science, environmental economics, environmental management, environmental monitoring, environmental policy, ecology, corporate sustainability or a range of other environmentally-based topics. The module aims to develop in students a range of academic and graduate skills including problem analysis and task prioritisation, time management, working independently, the effective written reporting of research and the effective verbal presentation/communication of research, people skills, the critical evaluation of data (e.g. economic and scientific data), data analysis and data collection.

Module learning outcomes

On completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • apply skills acquired from taught modules to the identification and solution of problems in a field relevant to their degree, e.g. environmental science/ environmental management/ environmental economics/ corporate sustainability

  • Design, conduct and report the results of an independent research project that satisfies the normal professional standards and/or expectations of their discipline

  • Demonstrate skills in effective written communication, the critical evaluation of data, the identification and/or collection of data and data analysis.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 100

Module feedback

Written feedback on summative assessment is provided in accordance with department guidelines. Ongoing feedback from the dissertation supervisor during the module. Written/verbal feedback on the formative research proposal.

Indicative reading

Greetham, B.. (2014) How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation. Palgrave Macmillan

Furseth, I. and Everett, E. L. (2013). Doing Your Masters Dissertation : From Start to Finish, SAGE Publications.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.