Studying at York
Dissertation - MST00011M
Module summary
The research dissertation is the opportunity for students to apply the skills developed during the taught component of their degree to create a sustained work of academic analysis.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 to Summer Semester 2024-25 |
Module aims
Each student devises their own project, with support from tutors and advisors. Dedicated work begins in semester two and continues through the summer vacation, in consultation with a dissertation advisor, who is a specialist in an area related to the project. In creating their research dissertation, students will be expected to demonstrate the following: an ability to plan and manage projects; to devise a research question and use a range of traditional and electronic sources to address this; to further develop their drafting, writing and editing skills; and to present research in a coherent and professional manner.
Module learning outcomes
- To identify a research question and to analyse and interpret primary and secondary sources
- To develop the ability to assess and critique the research of others
- To develop clear and concise writing and editing skills
- To develop critical thinking and intellectual independence
- To demonstrate the ability to contextualise research and use methodological processes to structure arguments
- To develop the ability to plan and lead structured projects to time
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
Students receive formative feedback on their dissertation proposal and on their evolving plans for the project. They have the opportunity to submit a draft of each chapter to their advisor for comment. In addition, they will present their emerging project at a dissertation conference, to receive feedback from fellow students and staff.
Students should expect their results for the Dissertation and the MA as a whole to be confirmed within 8 weeks of the final submission deadline.
Indicative reading
Key reading will vary based on advice provided by each student's individual dissertation advisor.