Dissertation or Professional Project

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analyse/ synthesize primary and secondary sources;
• Demonstrate originality of thought and approach;
• Present ideas to a professional standard.
• Evaluate and critically assess previous work on your chosen subject;

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Access and utilize recent research and/or examples;
• Define and manage research or professional projects;
• Demonstrate effective research and/or professional skills.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Relevant analytical, practical and/or professional methods appropriate for your chosen project;
• The wider background and scholarly/professional debates relating to your chosen project.
• Relevant theoretical approaches applicable to your chosen project;

The dissertation and professional project are considerable pieces of self-directed work. They aim to give you the opportunity to undertake an extended piece of independent research, professional report or design, with guidance from a supervisor. It will require reflection on a theoretical framework and critical analysis relating to your chosen topic. It will enable you to make an original contribution to the study or presentation of cultural heritage and prepare you for progressing to more advanced study and to preparation of work autonomously beyond academia. It offers an opportunity considerably to enhance your knowledge base, research and practical skills.

During the module you will:

• Identify and develop the research/practical skills that you need to undertake your dissertation.
• Be encouraged to engage with the research or professional community through attending and presenting at a range of relevant seminars, workshops or conferences, visiting museums and other heritage institutions and through digital channels such as blogs.
• Prepare a Project Design.

During the summer you will primarily be working independently to execute and write-up your project. You will have periodic meetings with a supervisor to monitor your progress and discuss any problems that arise. You may also provide updates via digital channels. Towards the end of the summer you will submit draft chapters and sections for feedback at these supervision meetings.

Lectures and group seminars

One-on-one supervisions

Peer feedback

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Project design

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Individual Oral Presentation

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.