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Session: 2022/23
Last modified: 13/04/2022 10:08:08
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Title of Module: Social Sciences Dissertation |
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Code: SSPG11004 |
SCQF Level: 11
(Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework) |
Credit Points: 60 |
ECTS: 30
(European Credit Transfer Scheme) |
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| School: | School of Education & Social Sciences |
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| Module Co-ordinator: | J
Clark |
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| Summary of Module |
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The dissertation is designed to provide students with the opportunity to determine, under the guidance of a supervisor, the content and focus of a major part of their study and assessment. It permits students to design and carry out an extended piece of written research focused around a research question, which provides the grounding for the study. It provides an opportunity for the student to engage with research methodology, to develop skills in data collection and analysis, and results in a deeper and more extensive understanding of a specific topic.
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| Module Delivery Method |
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| Face-To-Face | Blended | Fully Online | HybridC | HybridO | Work-based Learning |
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Face-To-Face
Term used to describe the traditional classroom environment where the students and the lecturer meet synchronously in the same room for the whole provision.
Blended
A mode of delivery of a module or a programme that involves online and face-to-face delivery of learning, teaching and assessment activities, student support and feedback. A programme may be considered “blended” if it includes a combination of face-to-face, online and blended modules. If an online programme has any compulsory face-to-face and campus elements it must be described as blended with clearly articulated delivery information to manage student expectations
Fully Online
Instruction that is solely delivered by web-based or internet-based technologies. This term is used to describe the previously used terms distance learning and e learning.
HybridC
Online with mandatory face-to-face learning on Campus
HybridO
Online with optional face-to-face learning on Campus
Work-based Learning
Learning activities where the main location for the learning experience is in the workplace.
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| Term(s) for Module Delivery |
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(Provided viable student numbers permit).
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| Term 1 | | Term 2 | | Term 3 | |
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| Learning Outcomes: (maximum of 5 statements) |
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On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:
L1.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of a selection of the main theories, principles, ideas, facts, concepts and terminology relating to the chosen topic area
L2.
Plan and execute a significant project of research, investigation or development
L3.
Draw on information from a variety of sources, including academic research publications, to offer sound and distinct insights on chosen research topic
L4.
Develop as an independent researcher by planning, designing, executing and writing up a research project |
| Employability Skills and Personal Development Planning (PDP) Skills |
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| SCQF Headings |
During completion of this module, there will be an opportunity to achieve
core skills in:
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| Knowledge and Understanding (K and U) |
SCQF Level 11.
A critical understanding of a range of theories and techniques of policy analysis. |
| Practice: Applied Knowledge and Understanding |
SCQF Level 11.
Applying a range of research methods in order to undertake a substantial research project
Plan and execute a significant project of research, investigation or development
Apply a range of standard and specialized research or equivalent instruments and techniques of enquiry
o Retrieve, interpret, critically analyse and manipulate primary and secondary information from a variety of sources including electronic sources
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| Generic Cognitive skills |
SCQF Level 11.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct analysis, evaluation and synthesis. |
| Communication, ICT and Numeracy Skills |
SCQF Level 11.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise. |
| Autonomy, Accountability and Working with others |
SCQF Level 11.
Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in carrying out learning activities.
Take responsibility for own work and contribute to the collective learning activities of the group in ways which support and develop
Form a supportive and productive research relationship with their dissertation supervisor
Systematically identify and address their own learning needs both in current and in new areas, making use of research in source materials as appropriate
Deal with complex ethical issues
Demonstrate the ability to practice in ways which draw on critical reflection on own and others’ roles and responsibilities.
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| Pre-requisites: |
Before undertaking this module the student should have
undertaken the following:
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Module Code:
| Module Title:
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| Other: | |
| Co-requisites | Module Code:
| Module Title:
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* Indicates that module descriptor is not published.
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| Learning and Teaching |
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| The module is designed to be delivered within a blended learning model, employing mixed modes of learning, teaching and assessment. |
Learning Activities
During completion of this module, the learning activities undertaken to
achieve the module learning outcomes are stated below:
| Student Learning Hours
(Normally totalling 200 hours):
(Note: Learning hours include both contact hours and hours spent on other learning activities) |
| Lecture/Core Content Delivery | 10 |
| Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity | 10 |
| Tutorial/Synchronous Support Activity | 40 |
| Personal Development Plan | 20 |
| Independent Study | 520 |
| 600
Hours Total
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**Indicative Resources: (eg. Core text, journals, internet
access)
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The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content
and ultimately for the learning outcomes:
Becker, H. (2007). Writing for Social Scientists. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Cottrell, S. (2011). Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument. London: SAGE.
Craswell, G. and Poore, M. (2011). Writing For Academic Success. London: SAGE.
Cuba, L. and Cocking, J. (1997). How to Write About the Social Sciences. London: Longman.
Furseth, I. and E. L. Everret. (2013) Doing Your Masters Dissertation. London: SAGE.
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(**N.B. Although reading lists should include current publications,
students are advised (particularly for material marked with an asterisk*) to
wait until the start of session for confirmation of the most up-to-date
material)
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| Engagement Requirements |
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In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure
Where a module has Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body requirements these will be listed here:
All fulltime students (part-time and distant learning students should check with their programme leader for any queries) are required to attend all scheduled classes and meetings, and participate with all delivered elements of the module as part of their engagement with their programme of study. Consideration will be given to students who have protection under the appropriate equality law. Please refer to UWS Regulations, Chapter 1, 1.64 – 1.67, available at the following link: http://www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/rights-and-regulations/regulatory-framework/ |
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Supplemental Information
| Programme Board | Social Sciences |
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| Assessment Results (Pass/Fail) |
No
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| Subject Panel | PG Social Sciences |
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| Moderator | C Clark |
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| External Examiner | M Ketola |
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| Accreditation Details | |
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| Version Number | 4 |
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| Assessment: (also refer to Assessment Outcomes Grids below) |
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| Dissertation - subdivision into chapters and sections to be decided in consultation with supervisor |
(N.B. (i) Assessment Outcomes Grids for the module
(one for each component) can be found below which clearly demonstrate how the learning outcomes of the module
will be assessed.
(ii) An indicative schedule listing approximate times
within the academic calendar when assessment is likely to feature will be
provided within the Student Handbook.)
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Assessment Outcome Grids (Footnote A.)
Footnotes
A. Referred to within Assessment Section above
B. Identified in the Learning Outcome Section above
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Note(s):
- More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
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Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.
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| Equality and Diversity |
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Equality & Diversity
Aligned with the overall commitment to equality and diversity stated in the Programme Specifications, the module supports equality of opportunity for students from all backgrounds and with different learning needs. Using Moodle, learning materials will be presented electronically in formats that allow flexible access and manipulation of content (part-time and distant learning students should check with their programme leader for any queries). The module complies with University regulations and guidance on inclusive learning and teaching practice. Specialist assistive equipment, support provision and adjustment to assessment practice will be made in accordance with UWS policy and regulations. The University’s Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Policy can be accessed at the following link: http://www.uws.ac.uk/equality/
Our partners are fully committed to the principles and practice of inclusiveness and our modules are designed to be accessible to all. Where this module is delivered overseas, local equivalent support for students and appropriate legislation applies.
UWS Equality and Diversity Policy |
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(N.B. Every effort
will be made by the University to accommodate any equality and diversity issues
brought to the attention of the School)
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