University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

(Revised November 2002)

Code: UPSN7J-60-M Title: Masters in Psycho-Social Studies Dissertation Version: 2

Level: M UWE Credit Rating: 60 Credits ECTS credit rating: 30

Module Type: Project

Owning Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities Field: Sociology

Contributes towards: Postgraduate awards up to MA/MSc

Valid from: Sept 2008 Discontinued from:

Pre-requisites: none

Co-requisites: none

Excluded combinations: none

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to demonstrate:

1. Advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the area of psycho-social studies on which their dissertation focuses and practice and apply their research skills in psycho-social studies and its applications

2. An advanced ability to engage in sustained theoretical argumentation, and apply relevant theoretical concepts to particular psycho-social and psychoanalytic research problems.

3. Ability to write to a consistently high academic standard

4. Ability to conduct and disseminate their research findings in a way consistent with research ethics

5. Ability to manage the research process and communicate their research findings in written form

Syllabus Content:

The dissertation must cover the following areas:

1. The formulation of an appropriate research question

2. A justification for the project based on a review of appropriate literature

3. The identification of an appropriate analytical framework for the project

4. A reflective and critical self-evaluation of the methods chosen

5. A discussion of substantive findings with a strong focus on how to develop further research

Teaching and Learning Methods:

Independent research supported by a supervisor.

Indicative Bibliography:

Practical guides that students may find useful:

Berry, R. (1994), The research project: how to write it, Routledge,

Blaxter, L (1996). How to research, Open University Press.

Clarke, S. (2002) Learning From Experience: Psycho-Social Research Methods in the Social Sciences. Qualitative Research. 2 (2) pp 173-194.

Hampson, L. (1994), How's your dissertation going?, Lancaster University for Innovation in Higher Education

Hollway, W. and Jefferson, T. (2000) Doing Qualitative Research Differently: Free Association, Narrative and the Interview Method. Sage.

Locke, L. et al. (1993), Proposals that work: a guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals, Sage,

Preece, R. (1994), Starting research: an introduction to academic research and dissertation writing, Pinter

Schutt, R K (1996). Investigating the social world: the processes and practice of research. Pine Forge Press.

Sharp, J A and Howard K (1996) The Management of a Student Research Project Gower

Smith, P. (1994), How to write an assignment: improving your research and presentation skills, How to Books

Assessment

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. A dissertation of approximately 20,000 words 100%

Component B N/A

Description of each element Element weighting

Second Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element Element weighting

1. A revised version of the original dissertation of approx 20,000 words 100%

Component B N/A

Description of each element Element weighting

SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTS ARE NOT PERMITTED

Specification confirmed by

_____________________________________

[signature of Dean, Associate Dean or Programme Director